1. USH Going to War in Vietnam Ho Chi Minh – Vietnamese leader Vietnam Nationalism – Ruled buy foreign powers for centuries China, France, Japan (since WWII) – Wanted to get rid of foreign rulers Specifically Japanese – U.S. sends aid to support movement

2. America Aids the French French refuse to give up territory in Vietnam Ho Chi Minh begins independence movement France asks for American help Eisenhower reluctantly agrees – “Domino Theory” If Vietnam falls to communists, neighboring countries will eventually fall, too

3. Geneva Accords Divided Vietnam along the 17 th parallel – Ho chi Minh in control in north – Pro-western forces in control in south French troops leave – America becomes “protector” of south Vietnam Ngo Dinh Diem – South Vietnam nationalist leader – Ally of U.S.

4. America Becomes Involved Vietcong – Communist group in South Korea – Assassinated thousands of government officials Eisenhower sends hundreds of military advisors to assist South Korean military

5. Overthrow of Diem Diem (Catholic) treats Buddhist religion poorly – Citizens become angry – America continues to support Diem – Military overthrows, kills Diem – South Vietnam becomes weak and disorganized – U.S. becomes more deeply involved

6. Johnson and Vietnam Johnson campaigning for presidency – Was sensitive to accusations he was ‘soft’ on communism Republicans blamed Democrats for the fall of China to communism North Vietnam torpedo U.S. ships in Gulf of Tonkin Gulf of Tonkin Resolution – President may take “all necessary measures” to repel any attacks, and stop further aggression

7. Johnson and Vietnam U.S. sends in troops to Vietnam Vietcong uses guerilla warfare – Hide in cities and jungles “Search and Destroy” – U.S. troops develop new tactics Take away Vietcong’s ability to hide Napalm: jelly-like gasoline that explodes on contact Agent Orange: chemical that strips leaves from trees and shrubs

8. Johnson and Vietnam 1965-1967: 220,000 Vietnamese killed 1966: 6,700 American soldiers killed War begins looking like a “stalemate” – No side wins American people begin to question U.S involvement in the war