Vietnam Slides

Vietnam. Truman doctrine preventing the spread of communism. Wars of national. Gulf of tonkin. Diem’s gov’t unpopular -Diem. Three months after being elected president. Different war. US War Leaders -Sec. Robert McNamara -Gen. William Westmoreland commander of troops in S. American search and destroy tactics * N. Napalm. Costs of war. Low morale of. Opposition. Hawks unleash. War protests. Why are we fighting this war? ? ? -Many believed it was a Civil War. Unfair practices draft deferments objectors dodging.

Wars of national liberation??? -French Indochina- backed by the US Ho Chi Minh- leader of Communist party in N.V. -containment domino theory -sent advisors?? To prevent C from Spreading to S.V. -Ngo Dinh Diem (S.V. corrupt Leader) cancels elections in the S -.

Viet-Cong begins fighting : Communist Group supported & supplied by Ho Chi Min.

American search and destroy tactics * N.V. & V.C. network of elaborate tunnels *Uproot Civilians w/ suspected ties to Vietcong, burning villages in order to “Save it” *Terrain laced w./booby traps & land mines– today 3.5million armed mines remain in V, causing 160 Civilian Causalities per month -napalm -Agent Orange.

Napalm gasoline based bomb, stick to peoples clothing & flesh -Agent Orange leaf killing chemical, blamed for many cancers among V & Am. Vets.

Why are we fighting this war??? -Many believed it was a Civil War,* US had no business being there *”Hell No, we won’t go!” -working man’s war- 80% children 18-26 -unfair practices draft- based on Bday deferments –Good academic standing= you would NOT be drafted objectors dodging.

Unfair practices draft deferments objectors dodging : Students for a Democratic Society- Centers that openly counseled students to flee to Canada- 10,000 people fled.