The document outlines the Vietnam War, detailing its origins tied to the US's efforts to curb communism after the French defeat in 1954. It discusses significant events, such as the establishment of South Vietnam, the rise of the National Liberation Front, President Kennedy's policies, and the escalation of conflict under President Johnson, culminating in military actions like the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and Operation Rolling Thunder. The war is noted as the longest and most unpopular in American history, with heavy casualties and financial costs.

2. Where isWhere is
Vietnam?Vietnam?

3. Why Did the United StatesWhy Did the United States
Fight a War in Vietnam?Fight a War in Vietnam?
• Basically to hold the line against theBasically to hold the line against the
spread of world Communism.spread of world Communism.
America paid for the war the FrenchAmerica paid for the war the French
fought against Communist Vietnamfought against Communist Vietnam
as a part of the Truman Doctrineas a part of the Truman Doctrine
(1947) “to help free peoples to(1947) “to help free peoples to
maintain their free institutions andmaintain their free institutions and
their national integrity against …their national integrity against …
totalitarian regimes.” In the 1950’s,totalitarian regimes.” In the 1950’s,
America became involved again.America became involved again.

4. Longest and Most UnpopularLongest and Most Unpopular
WarWar
• The Vietnam War was theThe Vietnam War was the
longest and most unpopular warlongest and most unpopular war
in American history. During thein American history. During the
war:war:
– 58,000 Americans lost their lives.58,000 Americans lost their lives.
• The oldest man killed was 62 yearsThe oldest man killed was 62 years
old; the youngest, 16.old; the youngest, 16.
• 61% of the men killed were 21 or61% of the men killed were 21 or
younger.younger.
– 304,000 were wounded.304,000 were wounded.
– 75,000 were severely disabled.75,000 were severely disabled.
– The United States spent over $200The United States spent over $200
billion dollars on the war.billion dollars on the war.

5. Conflict Between France &Conflict Between France &
VietnamVietnam
The Vietnam War grew out of theThe Vietnam War grew out of the
long conflict between France andlong conflict between France and
Vietnam.Vietnam.
– In July 1954, after one hundredIn July 1954, after one hundred
years of colonial rule, a defeatedyears of colonial rule, a defeated
France was forced to leave Vietnam.France was forced to leave Vietnam.
– Nationalist forces under the directionNationalist forces under the direction
of General Vo Nguyen Giapof General Vo Nguyen Giap
defeated the allied French troops atdefeated the allied French troops at
the remote mountain outpost of Dienthe remote mountain outpost of Dien
Bien Phu in the northwest corner ofBien Phu in the northwest corner of
Vietnam.Vietnam.

6. The Geneva Peace AccordsThe Geneva Peace Accords
• The Geneva Peace Accords,The Geneva Peace Accords,
signed by France and Vietnam insigned by France and Vietnam in
the summer of 1954, provided forthe summer of 1954, provided for
the temporary partition ofthe temporary partition of
Vietnam at the 17th parallel, withVietnam at the 17th parallel, with
national elections in 1956 tonational elections in 1956 to
reunify the country.reunify the country.
• In the North, a communistIn the North, a communist
regime, supported by the Sovietregime, supported by the Soviet
Union and the People's RepublicUnion and the People's Republic
of China, set up its headquartersof China, set up its headquarters
in Hanoi under the leadership ofin Hanoi under the leadership of
Ho Chi Minh.Ho Chi Minh.

7. Opposition to Geneva AccordsOpposition to Geneva Accords
• The United States prevented the elections that wereThe United States prevented the elections that were
promised under the Geneva conference because itpromised under the Geneva conference because it
knew that the Communists would win.knew that the Communists would win.
– Secretary of State John Foster Dulles thought the GenevaSecretary of State John Foster Dulles thought the Geneva
Accords granted too much power to the Communist Party ofAccords granted too much power to the Communist Party of
Vietnam.Vietnam. – He and President Dwight D.He and President Dwight D.
Eisenhower supported the creationEisenhower supported the creation
of a counter-revolutionaryof a counter-revolutionary
alternative south of the 17thalternative south of the 17th
parallel.parallel.
• This was accomplishedThis was accomplished
through formation of thethrough formation of the
Southeast Asia TreatySoutheast Asia Treaty
Organization (SEATO).Organization (SEATO).

8. A New Nation in the SouthA New Nation in the South
• Using SEATO for political cover, theUsing SEATO for political cover, the
Eisenhower administration helpedEisenhower administration helped
create a new nation in southerncreate a new nation in southern
Vietnam.Vietnam.
• In 1955, with the help of massiveIn 1955, with the help of massive
amounts of American military,amounts of American military,
political, and economic aid, thepolitical, and economic aid, the
government of the Republic ofgovernment of the Republic of
Vietnam (South Vietnam) was born.Vietnam (South Vietnam) was born.
• The following year, Ngo Dinh Diem, aThe following year, Ngo Dinh Diem, a
staunchly anti-Communist figure fromstaunchly anti-Communist figure from
the South, won a dubious electionthe South, won a dubious election
that made him president of Souththat made him president of South
VietnamVietnam

9. The Domino TheoryThe Domino Theory
• American policymakers developed the “DominoAmerican policymakers developed the “Domino
Theory” as a justification for the involvement. ThisTheory” as a justification for the involvement. This
theory stated, “If South Vietnam falls to thetheory stated, “If South Vietnam falls to the
Communist, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma,Communist, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma,
India and Pakistan would also fall like dominos. TheIndia and Pakistan would also fall like dominos. The
Pacific Islands and even Australia could be at risk”. Pacific Islands and even Australia could be at risk”.

10. South Vietnam Under DiemSouth Vietnam Under Diem
• Diem claimed that his newly createdDiem claimed that his newly created
government was under attack fromgovernment was under attack from
Communists in the north.Communists in the north.
• In late 1957, with American military aid, DiemIn late 1957, with American military aid, Diem
began to counterattack.began to counterattack.
– He used the help of the CIA (throughHe used the help of the CIA (through
Operation Phoenix) to identify those whoOperation Phoenix) to identify those who
sought to bring his government down andsought to bring his government down and
arrested thousands.arrested thousands.
– He passed a repressive series of actsHe passed a repressive series of acts
known as Law 10/59 that made it legal toknown as Law 10/59 that made it legal to
hold suspected Communists in jail withouthold suspected Communists in jail without
bringing formal charges.bringing formal charges.

11. Opposition to DiemOpposition to Diem
• The outcry against Diem's harsh and oppressiveThe outcry against Diem's harsh and oppressive
actions was immediate.actions was immediate.
– Buddhist monks and nuns were joined by students,Buddhist monks and nuns were joined by students,
business people, intellectuals, and peasants inbusiness people, intellectuals, and peasants in
opposition to Diem’s corrupt rule.opposition to Diem’s corrupt rule.
– The more these forces attacked Diem's troops andThe more these forces attacked Diem's troops and
secret police, the more Diem complained that thesecret police, the more Diem complained that the
Communists were trying to take South Vietnam byCommunists were trying to take South Vietnam by
force. This was "a hostile act of aggression by Northforce. This was "a hostile act of aggression by North
Vietnam against peace-loving and democratic SouthVietnam against peace-loving and democratic South
Vietnam."Vietnam."

12. The National Liberation FrontThe National Liberation Front
• The CommunistsThe Communists
supported the creation of asupported the creation of a
broad-based united front tobroad-based united front to
help mobilize southernershelp mobilize southerners
in opposition to thein opposition to the
government in Southgovernment in South
Vietnam.Vietnam.
• On December 20, 1960, the National LiberationOn December 20, 1960, the National Liberation
Front (NLF) was born.Front (NLF) was born.
– It brought together Communists and non-Communists in anIt brought together Communists and non-Communists in an
umbrella organization that had limited, but important goalsumbrella organization that had limited, but important goals
– Anyone could join as long as they opposed Ngo Dinh DiemAnyone could join as long as they opposed Ngo Dinh Diem
and wanted to unify Vietnam.and wanted to unify Vietnam.

13. Washington White PapersWashington White Papers
• In a series of government "WhiteIn a series of government "White
Papers," Washington insidersPapers," Washington insiders
denounced the NLF, claiming that itdenounced the NLF, claiming that it
was merely a puppet of Hanoi. Theywas merely a puppet of Hanoi. They
called it the "Viet Cong," a derogatorycalled it the "Viet Cong," a derogatory
and slang term meaning Vietnameseand slang term meaning Vietnamese
Communist.Communist.
• The NLF, on the other hand, arguedThe NLF, on the other hand, argued
that it was autonomous andthat it was autonomous and
independent of the Communists inindependent of the Communists in
Hanoi and that it was made up mostlyHanoi and that it was made up mostly
of non-Communists. Many anti-warof non-Communists. Many anti-war
activists supported the NLF's claims.activists supported the NLF's claims.

14. December 1961 White PaperDecember 1961 White Paper
• In 1961, President KennedyIn 1961, President Kennedy
sent a team to Vietnam tosent a team to Vietnam to
report on conditions in thereport on conditions in the
South andSouth and
to assess future American aidto assess future American aid
requirements.requirements.
• The report, known as theThe report, known as the
"December 1961 White"December 1961 White
Paper," argued for:Paper," argued for:
– An increase in military, technical, and economicAn increase in military, technical, and economic
aidaid
– The introduction of large-scale AmericanThe introduction of large-scale American
"advisers" to help stabilize the Diem regime"advisers" to help stabilize the Diem regime
and crush the NLF.and crush the NLF.

15. The Kennedy ResponseThe Kennedy Response
• As Kennedy weighed the merits ofAs Kennedy weighed the merits of
these recommendations, some ofthese recommendations, some of
his other advisers urged thehis other advisers urged the
president to withdraw frompresident to withdraw from
Vietnam altogether.Vietnam altogether.
• In typical Kennedy fashion, theIn typical Kennedy fashion, the
president chose a middle route.president chose a middle route.
– Instead of a large-scale militaryInstead of a large-scale military
buildup or a negotiated settlement,buildup or a negotiated settlement,
the United States would increase thethe United States would increase the
level of its military involvement inlevel of its military involvement in
South Vietnam through moreSouth Vietnam through more
machinery and advisers, but nomachinery and advisers, but no
military troops.military troops.

16. The Strategic Hamlet ProgramThe Strategic Hamlet Program
To counteract the NLF'sTo counteract the NLF's
success in the countryside,success in the countryside,
Washington and SaigonWashington and Saigon
launched an ambitious militarylaunched an ambitious military
effort in the rural areas.effort in the rural areas.
– Called the Strategic HamletCalled the Strategic Hamlet
Program, the newProgram, the new
counterinsurgency plan roundedcounterinsurgency plan rounded
up villagers and placed them inup villagers and placed them in
"safe hamlets" controlled by the"safe hamlets" controlled by the
government of South Vietnam.government of South Vietnam.
– The idea was to isolate the NLFThe idea was to isolate the NLF
from villagers, its base offrom villagers, its base of
supportsupport

17. NFL SuccessesNFL Successes
• This culturally-insensitive planThis culturally-insensitive plan
further alienated the peasantsfurther alienated the peasants
from the Saigon regime andfrom the Saigon regime and
produced more recruits for theproduced more recruits for the
NLF.NLF.
• By the summer of 1963,By the summer of 1963,
because of NLF successes andbecause of NLF successes and
its own failures, it was clear thatits own failures, it was clear that
the government of Souththe government of South
Vietnam was on the verge ofVietnam was on the verge of
political collapse.political collapse.

18. Buddhist Self-ImmolationsBuddhist Self-Immolations
• Diem's brother, Ngo Dinh Nhu, hadDiem's brother, Ngo Dinh Nhu, had
raided the Buddhist pagodas of Southraided the Buddhist pagodas of South
Vietnam, claiming that they hadVietnam, claiming that they had
harbored the Communists that wereharbored the Communists that were
creating the political instability.creating the political instability.
• The result was massive protests on theThe result was massive protests on the
streets of Saigon that led Buddhiststreets of Saigon that led Buddhist
monks to self-immolation.monks to self-immolation.
• The pictures of the monks engulfed inThe pictures of the monks engulfed in
flames made world headlines andflames made world headlines and
caused considerable consternation incaused considerable consternation in
Washington.Washington.

19. Military CoupMilitary Coup
• By late September, the BuddhistBy late September, the Buddhist
protest had created such disloca-protest had created such disloca-
tion in the south that the Kennedytion in the south that the Kennedy
administration supported a coup.administration supported a coup.
• In 1963, some of Diem's ownIn 1963, some of Diem's own
generals approached the Americangenerals approached the American
Embassy in Saigon with plans to overthrow Diem.Embassy in Saigon with plans to overthrow Diem.
• With Washington's tacit approval, Diem and hisWith Washington's tacit approval, Diem and his
brother were captured and later killed.brother were captured and later killed.
• Three weeks later, President Kennedy wasThree weeks later, President Kennedy was
assassinated on the streets of Dallas.assassinated on the streets of Dallas.

20. Escalation of the ConflictEscalation of the Conflict
• At the time of the Kennedy and Diem assassinations,At the time of the Kennedy and Diem assassinations,
there were 16,000 military advisers in Vietnam.there were 16,000 military advisers in Vietnam.
– The Kennedy administration had managed to runThe Kennedy administration had managed to run
the war from Washington without the large-scalethe war from Washington without the large-scale
introduction of American combat troops.introduction of American combat troops.
– The continuing political problems in Saigon,The continuing political problems in Saigon,
however, convinced the new president, Lyndonhowever, convinced the new president, Lyndon
Baines Johnson, that more aggressive actionBaines Johnson, that more aggressive action
was needed.was needed.
• After a dubious North Vietnamese raid on two U.S.After a dubious North Vietnamese raid on two U.S.
ships in the Gulf of Tonkin, the Johnsonships in the Gulf of Tonkin, the Johnson
administration argued for expansive war powers foradministration argued for expansive war powers for
the president.the president.

21. Attack on American ShipsAttack on American Ships
• In August 1964, in response toIn August 1964, in response to
American and South VietnameseAmerican and South Vietnamese
espionage along its coast, Northespionage along its coast, North
Vietnam launched an attack against theVietnam launched an attack against the
C. Turner Joy and the U.S.S. Maddox,C. Turner Joy and the U.S.S. Maddox,
two American ships on call in the Gulftwo American ships on call in the Gulf
of Tonkin.of Tonkin.
– The first attack occurred onThe first attack occurred on
August 2, 1964.August 2, 1964.
– A second attack was supposed to haveA second attack was supposed to have
taken place on August 4, but authoritiestaken place on August 4, but authorities
have recently concluded that no secondhave recently concluded that no second
attack ever took place.attack ever took place.

22. The Gulf of Tonkin ResolutionThe Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
• The Johnson administrationThe Johnson administration
used the August 4 attack toused the August 4 attack to
obtain a Congressionalobtain a Congressional
resolution, now known asresolution, now known as
the Gulf of Tonkinthe Gulf of Tonkin
Resolution, that gave theResolution, that gave the
president broad warpresident broad war
powers.powers.
• The Resolution wasThe Resolution was
followed by limited reprisalfollowed by limited reprisal
air attacks against Northair attacks against North
VietnamVietnam..

23. Operation Rolling ThunderOperation Rolling Thunder
• In early 1965, the NLF attacked two U.S.In early 1965, the NLF attacked two U.S.
army installations in South Vietnam, and asarmy installations in South Vietnam, and as
a result, Johnson ordered sustaineda result, Johnson ordered sustained
bombing missions over North Vietnam.bombing missions over North Vietnam.
• The bombing missions, known asThe bombing missions, known as
“Operation Rolling Thunder,” caused the“Operation Rolling Thunder,” caused the
Communist Party to reassess its own warCommunist Party to reassess its own war
strategystrategy

24. Phosphorous & NapalmPhosphorous & Napalm
BombsBombs
• ““Operation RollingOperation Rolling
Thunder” was backedThunder” was backed
up by phosphorousup by phosphorous
and napalm bombs –and napalm bombs –
the latter causingthe latter causing
dreadful burns todreadful burns to
thousand of innocentthousand of innocent
civilians.civilians.

25. Operation Ranch HandOperation Ranch Hand
• When this failed to break down the jungle cover the USAF startedWhen this failed to break down the jungle cover the USAF started
“Operation Ranch Hand” – the defoliation program, using Agent“Operation Ranch Hand” – the defoliation program, using Agent
Orange.Orange.
– This deadly chemical cocktail, containing dioxin, killed off millionsThis deadly chemical cocktail, containing dioxin, killed off millions
of acres of jungle to try to weaken the Vietcong – but left aof acres of jungle to try to weaken the Vietcong – but left a
horrendous legacy in Vietnam.horrendous legacy in Vietnam.
– The dioxin got into the food chain causing chromosome damageThe dioxin got into the food chain causing chromosome damage
to humans. There were hundreds of cases of children born withto humans. There were hundreds of cases of children born with
deformities.deformities.

26. HelicoptersHelicopters
• Of all aircraft, theOf all aircraft, the
helicopter was thehelicopter was the
most useful,most useful,
dropping platoonsdropping platoons
in the junglein the jungle
clearings and outclearings and out
again. They wereagain. They were
excellent airexcellent air
ambulances.ambulances.

27. How did the North VietnameseHow did the North Vietnamese
Fight Back Against the U.S.Fight Back Against the U.S.
Invaders?Invaders?
• The North Vietnamese used classic MaoistThe North Vietnamese used classic Maoist
guerrilla tactics. “Guerrillas must moveguerrilla tactics. “Guerrillas must move
through the peasants like fish throughthrough the peasants like fish through
sea,” i.e., the peasants will support themsea,” i.e., the peasants will support them
as much as they can with shelter, food,as much as they can with shelter, food,
weapons, storage, intelligence, recruits.weapons, storage, intelligence, recruits.

28. North Vietnamese TacticsNorth Vietnamese Tactics
• In areas held by the NLF, theIn areas held by the NLF, the
Communists distributed theCommunists distributed the
land to the peasants. (By 1973,land to the peasants. (By 1973,
the NLF held about half ofthe NLF held about half of
South Vietnam.)South Vietnam.)
• Their weapons were cheapTheir weapons were cheap
and reliable.and reliable.
– The AK47 assault rifle out-performed the American M16The AK47 assault rifle out-performed the American M16
– The portable rocket launcher took out many US vehicles &The portable rocket launcher took out many US vehicles &
aircraft.aircraft.
– They recycledThey recycled dud bombs dropped by the Americans.dud bombs dropped by the Americans.
Deadly booby-traps could inflict huge damage on youngDeadly booby-traps could inflict huge damage on young
American conscripts!American conscripts!

29. Tunnel ComplexesTunnel Complexes
• The Vietnamese built large tunnelThe Vietnamese built large tunnel
complexes such as the ones at Cu Chicomplexes such as the ones at Cu Chi
near Saigon. This protected them from thenear Saigon. This protected them from the
bombing raids by the Americans and gavebombing raids by the Americans and gave
them cover for attacking the invaders.them cover for attacking the invaders.

30. Search & Destroy TacticsSearch & Destroy Tactics
• The United States countered withThe United States countered with
“Search and Destroy” tactics. In“Search and Destroy” tactics. In
areas where the NLF wereareas where the NLF were
thought to be operating, troopsthought to be operating, troops
went in and checked forwent in and checked for
weapons. If they found them,weapons. If they found them,
they rounded up the villagers and burned the villages down.they rounded up the villagers and burned the villages down.
• This often alienated the peasants from theThis often alienated the peasants from the
American/South Vietnamese cause.American/South Vietnamese cause.
– As one marine said – “If they weren’t Vietcong before we gotAs one marine said – “If they weren’t Vietcong before we got
there, they sure as hell were by the time we left”.there, they sure as hell were by the time we left”.
– The NFL often helped the villager’s re-build their homes andThe NFL often helped the villager’s re-build their homes and
bury their dead.bury their dead.

31. Protracted War StrategyProtracted War Strategy
• After “Operation RollingAfter “Operation Rolling
Thunder,” the CommunistThunder,” the Communist
Party moved to aParty moved to a
protracted war strategy:protracted war strategy:
the idea was to get thethe idea was to get the
United States boggedUnited States bogged
down indown in
a war that it could not wina war that it could not win
militarily and createmilitarily and create
unfavorable conditionsunfavorable conditions
for political victory.for political victory.

32. The War in AmericaThe War in America
• The Vietnam War had aThe Vietnam War had a
major impact on everyday lifemajor impact on everyday life
in America, and the Johnsonin America, and the Johnson
administration was forced toadministration was forced to
consider domesticconsider domestic
consequences of itsconsequences of its
decisions daily.decisions daily.
• Since there were not enoughSince there were not enough
volunteers to continue tovolunteers to continue to
fight a protracted war, thefight a protracted war, the
government instituted a draft.government instituted a draft.

33. Anti-War SentimentsAnti-War Sentiments
• As the deathsAs the deaths
mounted andmounted and
Americans continuedAmericans continued
to leave for Southeastto leave for Southeast
Asia, the JohnsonAsia, the Johnson
administration wasadministration was
met with the fullmet with the full
weight of Americanweight of American
anti-war sentiments.anti-war sentiments.

34. Anti-War ProtestsAnti-War Protests
• Protests erupted on college campusesProtests erupted on college campuses
and in major cities at first, but by 1968and in major cities at first, but by 1968
every corner of the country seemed toevery corner of the country seemed to
have felt the war's impact.have felt the war's impact.

35. 1968 Democratic Convention1968 Democratic Convention
• One of the most famous incidentsOne of the most famous incidents
in the anti-war movement was thein the anti-war movement was the
police riot in Chicago during thepolice riot in Chicago during the
1968 Democratic National1968 Democratic National
Convention.Convention.
• Hundreds of thousands of peopleHundreds of thousands of people
came to Chicago in August 1968 tocame to Chicago in August 1968 to
protest American intervention inprotest American intervention in
Vietnam and the leaders of theVietnam and the leaders of the
Democratic Party who continued toDemocratic Party who continued to
prosecute the war.prosecute the war.

36. The Tet OffensiveThe Tet Offensive
• By 1968, things had gone from bad to worse for theBy 1968, things had gone from bad to worse for the
Johnson administration. In late January, NorthJohnson administration. In late January, North
Vietnam and the NLF launched coordinated attacksVietnam and the NLF launched coordinated attacks
against major southern cities.against major southern cities.
• These attacks, known as the Tet Offensive, wereThese attacks, known as the Tet Offensive, were
designed to force the Johnson administration to thedesigned to force the Johnson administration to the
bargaining table.bargaining table.

37. The My Lai MassacreThe My Lai Massacre
• A serious blow to U.S. credibility came withA serious blow to U.S. credibility came with
the exposure of the My Lai massacrethe exposure of the My Lai massacre
(March 1968).(March 1968).
• Hushed up at the time and only discoveredHushed up at the time and only discovered
by a tenacious journalist, this involved theby a tenacious journalist, this involved the
killing of 400 men, women and children bykilling of 400 men, women and children by
US troops. US troops.

38. A Secret Plan to End the WarA Secret Plan to End the War
• In late March 1968, a disgracedIn late March 1968, a disgraced
Lyndon Johnson announced thatLyndon Johnson announced that
he would not seek the Democratiche would not seek the Democratic
Party's re-nomination for presidentParty's re-nomination for president
and hinted that he would go to theand hinted that he would go to the
bargaining table with thebargaining table with the
Communists to end the war.Communists to end the war.
• Negotiations began in the spring ofNegotiations began in the spring of
1968, but the Democratic Party1968, but the Democratic Party
could not rescue the presidencycould not rescue the presidency
from Republican challengerfrom Republican challenger
Richard Nixon who claimed he hadRichard Nixon who claimed he had
a secret plan to end the war.a secret plan to end the war.

39. VietnamizationVietnamization
• Nixon's secret plan involvedNixon's secret plan involved
a process calleda process called
“Vietnamization.” This“Vietnamization.” This
strategy brought Americanstrategy brought American
troops home whiletroops home while
increasing the air war overincreasing the air war over
North Vietnam and relyingNorth Vietnam and relying
more on the Southmore on the South
Vietnamese army for groundVietnamese army for ground
attacks.attacks.

40. Expansion to Laos &Expansion to Laos &
CambodiaCambodia
• The Nixon years also saw the expansion of theThe Nixon years also saw the expansion of the
war into neighboring Laos and Cambodia,war into neighboring Laos and Cambodia,
violating the international rights of theseviolating the international rights of these
countries in secret campaigns, as the Whitecountries in secret campaigns, as the White
House tried desperately to rout out CommunistHouse tried desperately to rout out Communist
sanctuaries and supply routes.sanctuaries and supply routes.

41. Campus Protests &Campus Protests &
ShootingsShootings
• The intenseThe intense
bombingbombing
campaigns andcampaigns and
intervention inintervention in
Cambodia in lateCambodia in late
April 1970 sparkedApril 1970 sparked
intense campusintense campus
protests all acrossprotests all across
America.America.

42. Kent StateKent State
• At Kent State inAt Kent State in
Ohio, four studentsOhio, four students
were killed bywere killed by
NationalNational
Guardsmen whoGuardsmen who
were called out towere called out to
preserve order onpreserve order on
campus after dayscampus after days
of anti-Nixonof anti-Nixon
protest.protest.

43. Jackson StateJackson State
• Shock waves crossed theShock waves crossed the
nation as students atnation as students at
Jackson State inJackson State in
Mississippi were also shotMississippi were also shot
and killed for politicaland killed for political
reasons, prompting onereasons, prompting one
mother to cry, "They aremother to cry, "They are
killing our babies inkilling our babies in
Vietnam and in our ownVietnam and in our own
backyard."backyard."

44. The Christmas BombingsThe Christmas Bombings
• In December 1972, the Nixon administration unleashedIn December 1972, the Nixon administration unleashed
a series of deadly bombing raids against targets ina series of deadly bombing raids against targets in
North Vietnam’s largest cities, Hanoi and Haiphong.North Vietnam’s largest cities, Hanoi and Haiphong.
• These attacks, now known as the Christmas bombings,These attacks, now known as the Christmas bombings,
brought immediate condemnation from the internationalbrought immediate condemnation from the international
community and forced the Nixon administration tocommunity and forced the Nixon administration to
reconsider its tactics and negotiation strategy.reconsider its tactics and negotiation strategy.

45. The Paris Peace AgreementThe Paris Peace Agreement
• In early January 1973, the NixonIn early January 1973, the Nixon
White House convinced SaigonWhite House convinced Saigon
that they would not abandon thethat they would not abandon the
South Vietnamese army if theySouth Vietnamese army if they
signed the peace accord.signed the peace accord.
• On January 23, therefore, theOn January 23, therefore, the
final draft was initialed, endingfinal draft was initialed, ending
open hostilities between theopen hostilities between the
United States and North Vietnam.United States and North Vietnam.
• The Paris Peace Agreement didThe Paris Peace Agreement did
not end the conflict in Vietnam,not end the conflict in Vietnam,
however, as Saigon continued tohowever, as Saigon continued to
battle Communist forces.battle Communist forces.

47. The Fall to CommunismThe Fall to Communism
• From March 1973 until the fall ofFrom March 1973 until the fall of
Saigon on April 30, 1975, theSaigon on April 30, 1975, the
South Vietnamese army triedSouth Vietnamese army tried
desperately to save the Southdesperately to save the South
from political and militaryfrom political and military
collapse.collapse.
• The end finally came when NorthThe end finally came when North
Vietnamese tanks rolled southVietnamese tanks rolled south
along National Highway One.along National Highway One.
• On the morning of April 30,On the morning of April 30,
Communist forces captured theCommunist forces captured the
presidential palace in Saigon,presidential palace in Saigon,
ending the Vietnam War.ending the Vietnam War.

48. Why Did the United StatesWhy Did the United States
Lose the Vietnam War?Lose the Vietnam War?
1.1. They underestimated the tenacity andThey underestimated the tenacity and
organization of the North Vietnameseorganization of the North Vietnamese
and the National Liberation Front. and the National Liberation Front.

49. 2.2. Despite droppingDespite dropping
more tonnage ofmore tonnage of
high explosive onhigh explosive on
Vietnam than theVietnam than the
whole of World Warwhole of World War
II, the AmericansII, the Americans
could not stop thecould not stop the
movement of troopsmovement of troops
or supplies to theor supplies to the
south along the Hosouth along the Ho
Chi Minh Trail. Chi Minh Trail.

50. 3.3. The NorthThe North
VietnameseVietnamese
conducted aconducted a
“Peoples war” in“Peoples war” in
which everyonewhich everyone
played a part.played a part.

51. 4.4. At first, most Americans supported theAt first, most Americans supported the
war. But by 1970, the Peace Movementwar. But by 1970, the Peace Movement
had support from all parts of society andhad support from all parts of society and
no government could ignore it.no government could ignore it.

52. 5.5. After 1969, there wereAfter 1969, there were
deep questions aboutdeep questions about
the efficiency of USthe efficiency of US
troops. There was atroops. There was a
serious drug problem;serious drug problem;
desertion rates weredesertion rates were
high and morale low.high and morale low.
Many troops wereMany troops were
“time-servers,” i.e.,“time-servers,” i.e.,
counted the days untilcounted the days until
the tour was over.the tour was over.

53. 6.6. The US never reallyThe US never really
understood the culture ofunderstood the culture of
the Vietnamese people.the Vietnamese people.
Coca Cola, chewingCoca Cola, chewing
gum, ball point pens, andgum, ball point pens, and
ice cream cones couldice cream cones could
not dislodge their ancientnot dislodge their ancient
beliefs.beliefs.

54. 7.7. America was not prepared to keep losingAmerica was not prepared to keep losing
high numbers of casualties for suchhigh numbers of casualties for such
limited progress in a difficult jungle war,limited progress in a difficult jungle war,
for which they were not suited. for which they were not suited.

55. 8.8. The strength and resourcefulness of theThe strength and resourcefulness of the
NLF. For example, the highly complexNLF. For example, the highly complex
Cu Chi tunnel system the U.S. never shutCu Chi tunnel system the U.S. never shut
down. down.

57. SourcesSources
• Battlefield Vietnam: A Brief HistoryBattlefield Vietnam: A Brief History
http://www.pbs.org/battlefieldvietnam/history/index.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/battlefieldvietnam/history/index.html
• Vietnam Revision GuideVietnam Revision Guide
http://www.learnhistory.org.uk/vietnam/ustactics.htmhttp://www.learnhistory.org.uk/vietnam/ustactics.htm