The document provides background information on the origins of conflict in Vietnam. It discusses Vietnam's history of imperialism under China, France, Japan, and others. It then outlines the rise of the Viet Minh nationalist group led by Ho Chi Minh in the 1940s which fought for independence. As France sought to reclaim its colonies after World War 2, the US was divided in how to respond and eventually supported France, leading to escalating US involvement and funding for France in Vietnam throughout the 1950s due to fears of the spread of communism.

1. Origin of the Vietnam
“Conflict”
What Happened Before U.S. Involvement

2. History of Imperialism
• China (independence in 1000 C.E.)
• French in the 1600s
• Creation of Indochina
• Japan 1940-45
• China and England 1945
• French Part Deux! (1946-1954)
• in hindsight....What if???

3. Viet Minh: Friend or Foe?
• were nationalists and communists (formed 1940 or 41)
• led by Ho Chi Minh (“He who enlightens”)
• fought against the French and the Japanese
• conflicted U.S. perspective

4. Fork in the Road
• Ho Chi Minh declared independence in 1945
• US DOS was divided
• France asks for the return of its colonies
• Viet Minh’s response
• golden opportunity missed! What if?

5. Fear of Communism! (1950)
• Success of Chinese Revolution
• Truman’s Speech “cause of freedom is
being challenged”
• Outbreak of the Korean War
• Commies are going to take over Asia!
• Uncle Sam’s wallet opens up

6. Foreshadowing of escalation
• “...the resources of the United States would be deployed to
preserve Indochina and Southeast Asia from further Communist
encroachment.”
Dean Rusk, Undersecretary of State
• U.S. provides 80% of the funding for the French

7. We Like Ike!
• Eisenhower Presidency
• continues aid to France until Dienbienphu
• Geneva Accords 1954: division and election

8. And the U.S. picks...
Ngo Dinh Diem!
• Catholic
• Friend of the French
• Torturer
• Corrupt
• Boycotts Elections 1956