1. Moving towards conflict
The Vietnam War Years
Moving towards conflict

2. French Rule in Vietnam Prior to WWII France ruled over Vietnam
Many Vietnamese nationalists fled to China under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh

3. Japanese take control (1940)
Ho Chi Minh returns and helps form the Vietminh, to gain independence from foreign rule.
When Japan is forced to leave in 1945 Ho Chi Minh declares Vietnam an independent nation.

4. Not so Fast! The French Return
French troops move back in to the country regaining control of the southern half
Ho Chi Minh vowed to fight from the North and rid the South of French control
The U.S. sends $15 million in aide to France
Why did the U.S. support France???

5. Geneva Accords Temporarily divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel.
Elections were to be held to
determine who would rule.

6. The South Cancels Elections
Diem, the southern leader knew he would lose so he refused to take part in the country wide elections.
The Eisenhower administration promised military aide and training to Diem in return for a stable government in the South

7. Instability in the South
Diem becomes very unpopular because he does not support land reform along with his intense attacks on Buddhism
A communist opposition group in the South, known as the Vietcong began attacks on the Diem government, .

8. Ho Chi Minh supported the Vietcong via a network of paths that became known as the Ho Chi Minh trail

9. The U.S. steps up
On Nov. 1, 1963 a U.S. supported military coup that toppled Diem’s regime.

10. Tonkin Gulf Resolution
The USS Maddox was patrolling the Gulf of Tonkin and believed they were fired on by the North Vietnamese.
President Johnson asked Congress to adopt the Tonkin Gulf Resolution which gave Johnson:
“ all necessary powers to take all necessary measures to to repel an armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggressions.”

11. Look at the poster on pager 732
How might this poster have generated support for the Vietcong?
Do you think the use of propaganda is acceptable?
When have we seen propaganda used before?

12. What time period is this poster from?
What is the message of this poster?

13. 1) What event is depicted in these images?
2) How is propaganda being used?
3)How was this event similar to the events that occurred in the Tonkin gulf?

15. Do you think congress was justified in passing the Tonkin Gulf resolution?
Use details from your text and notes to support your response