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March 31, 2015 Aim: How did the war in Vietnam impact the U.S.?
Do Now:
1. Do you recognize the
musician in the
photos?
2. Have you heard the
song “Born in the
USA” before? What
do you know about
it?
The Vietnam War, 1954-1975 • Background:
– France controlled “Indochina” since the late 19th century.
– 1954: France loses control of Vietnam and leaves
• U.S. replaces France. Why???
Vietnam Split at 17th Parallel • North Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh
(Communist)
• South Vietnam: Ngo Dinh Diem (Dictatorial-U.S.-backed)
– U.S. sent billions in aid to Diem’s gov’t.
Early Protests of Diem’s Government
Buddhist Monk – Self-Immolation Saigon - 1963
1960 – U.S. Military Involvement Begins
• JFK increases number of military advisors.
First “living room war” Body counts on TV every night
Johnson Sends Ground Forces
• 1964 - Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
– “The Blank Check”
– Gave the President authority to increase US military presence
0
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
1961 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968
U.S. Troops
U.S. Troop Deployments
in Vietnam
Who is the enemy?
January, 1968 – Tet Offensive
• U.S. destroys Viet Cong
– HOWEVER, seen as an American defeat by the media.
• Impact: Led to an opposition to the war in the U.S., Johnson disgraced.
Hey! Hey! LBJ! How many kids did you kill today?
Impact of the Vietnam War
• Johnson does not run for re-election.
• Drop in American morale.
– Are we becoming the enemy?
My Lai Massacre: 1968 200-500 villagers killed
Mostly women and children
Anti-War Demonstrations Kent State University, 1970 Music:
“Fortunate Son” – Creedence Clearwater Revival “War” – Edwin Starr
Peace Negotiations
• 1973: Nixon – “peace with honor”
• Ceasefire signed.
• 1975: North Vietnam defeats South Vietnam.
1975 –
Vietnam is united and Communist
Impact
• 26th Amendment – 18 year olds vote.
• War Powers Act (1973)
– Congress must approve all military action that lasted over 60 days
• Disregard for Veterans – seen as “baby killers”
• Nixon abolished the draft
Vietnam War Memorial – Washington, D.C.
AND TODAY…..The “Light” at the End of This Tunnel?
2003 to 2010: “Operation Iraqi Freedom” 2010 to ???: “Operation New Dawn”
2001 - ???:”War in Afghanistan” 6800+ American dead and counting…?
Another Vietnam?
OR
A transformation of the Middle East?
Only time & history can tell!
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