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!