2. Where is Vietnam?Where is 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 againstBasically to hold the line against
the spread of worldthe spread of world
Communism. America paid forCommunism. America paid for
the war the French foughtthe war the French fought
against Communist Vietnam as aagainst Communist Vietnam as a
part of the Truman Doctrinepart of the Truman Doctrine
(1947) “to help free peoples to(1947) “to help free peoples to
maintain their free institutionsmaintain their free institutions
and their national integrityand their national integrity
against … totalitarian regimes.”against … totalitarian regimes.”
In the 1950’s, America becameIn the 1950’s, America became
involved again.involved again.

4. Longest and Most Unpopular WarLongest and Most Unpopular War
• The Vietnam War was the longestThe Vietnam War was the longest
and most unpopular war inand most unpopular war in
American history. During the war:American history. During the war:
– 58,000 Americans lost their lives.58,000 Americans lost their lives.
• The oldest man killed was 62 years old;The oldest man killed was 62 years old;
the youngest, 16.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 & VietnamConflict Between France & Vietnam
• The Vietnam War grew out ofThe Vietnam War grew out of
the long conflict betweenthe long conflict between
France and Vietnam.France and 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 leaveFrance was forced to leave
Vietnam.Vietnam.
– Nationalist forces under theNationalist forces under the
direction of General Vo Nguyendirection of General Vo Nguyen
Giap defeated the allied FrenchGiap defeated the allied French
troops at the remote mountaintroops at the remote mountain
outpost of Dien Bien Phu in theoutpost of Dien Bien Phu in the
northwest corner of Vietnam.northwest corner of Vietnam.

6. The Geneva Peace AccordsThe Geneva Peace Accords
• The Geneva Peace Accords,The Geneva Peace Accords,
signed by France and Vietnamsigned by France and Vietnam
in the summer of 1954,in the summer of 1954,
provided for the temporaryprovided for the temporary
partition of Vietnam at the 17thpartition of Vietnam at the 17th
parallel, with national electionsparallel, with national elections
in 1956 to reunify the country.in 1956 to reunify the country.
• In the North, a communistIn the North, a communist
regime, supportedregime, supported by the Sovietby the Soviet
Union and the People'sUnion and the People's
Republic of China,Republic of China, set up itsset up its
headquarters in Hanoi underheadquarters in Hanoi under
the leadership of Ho Chi Minh.the leadership of 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 it knewpromised under the Geneva conference because it knew
that the Communists would win.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 creation of aEisenhower supported the creation of a
counter-revolutionary alternative southcounter-revolutionary alternative south
of the 17th parallel.of the 17th parallel.
• This was accomplished throughThis was accomplished through
formation of the Southeast Asiaformation of the Southeast Asia
Treaty Organization (SEATO).Treaty 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 helped createEisenhower administration helped create
a new nation in southern Vietnam.a new nation in southern Vietnam.
• In 1955, with the help of massiveIn 1955, with the help of massive
amounts of American military, political,amounts of American military, political,
and economic aid, the government of theand economic aid, the government of the
Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)
was born.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 election thatthe South, won a dubious election that
made him president of South Vietnammade him president of South Vietnam

9. The Domino TheoryThe Domino Theory
• American policymakers developed the “Domino Theory”American policymakers developed the “Domino Theory”
as a justification for the involvement. This theory stated,as a justification for the involvement. This theory stated,
“If South Vietnam falls to the Communist, Laos,“If South Vietnam falls to the Communist, Laos,
Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, India and Pakistan wouldCambodia, Thailand, Burma, India and Pakistan would
also fall like dominos. The Pacific Islands and evenalso fall like dominos. The Pacific Islands and even
Australia could be at risk”. 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 militaryIn late 1957, with American military
aid, Diem began to counterattack.aid, Diem began to counterattack.
– He used the help of the CIA (throughHe used the help of the CIA (through
Operation Phoenix) to identify thoseOperation Phoenix) to identify those
who sought to bring his governmentwho sought to bring his government
down and arrested thousands.down and arrested thousands.
– He passed a repressive series of actsHe passed a repressive series of acts
known as Law 10/59 that made it legalknown as Law 10/59 that made it legal
to hold suspected Communists in jailto hold suspected Communists in jail
without bringing formal charges.without bringing formal charges.

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

12. The National Liberation FrontThe National Liberation Front
• The CommunistsThe Communists
supported the creation ofsupported the creation of
a broad-based united fronta broad-based united front
to help mobilizeto help mobilize
southerners in oppositionsoutherners in opposition
to the government into the government in
South Vietnam.South Vietnam.
• On December 20, 1960, the National Liberation FrontOn December 20, 1960, the National Liberation Front
(NLF) was born.(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 Diem andAnyone could join as long as they opposed Ngo Dinh Diem and
wanted to unify Vietnam.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," acalled it the "Viet Cong," a
derogatory and slang term meaningderogatory and slang term meaning
Vietnamese Communist.Vietnamese 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 upHanoi and that it was made up
mostly of non-Communists. Manymostly of non-Communists. Many
anti-war activists supported theanti-war activists supported the
NLF's claims.NLF's claims.

14. December 1961 White PaperDecember 1961 White Paper
• In 1961, President KennedyIn 1961, President Kennedy
sent a team to Vietnam to reportsent a team to Vietnam to report
on conditions in the South andon conditions in the South and
to assess future American aidto assess future American aid
requirements.requirements.
• The report, known as theThe report, known as the
"December 1961 White Paper,""December 1961 White Paper,"
argued for:argued for:
– An increase in military, technical, and economic aidAn increase in military, technical, and economic aid
– The introduction of large-scale American "advisers"The introduction of large-scale American "advisers"
to help stabilize the Diem regime and crush the NLF.to help stabilize the Diem regime 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's successTo counteract the NLF's success
in the countryside, Washingtonin the countryside, Washington
and Saigon launched anand Saigon launched an
ambitious military effort in theambitious military effort in the
rural areas.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 of supportfrom villagers, its base of support

17. NFL SuccessesNFL Successes
• This culturally-insensitive planThis culturally-insensitive plan
further alienated the peasants fromfurther alienated the peasants from
the Saigon regime and producedthe Saigon regime and produced
more recruits for the NLF.more recruits for the NLF.
• By the summer of 1963, because ofBy the summer of 1963, because of
NLF successes and its own failures,NLF successes and its own failures,
it was clear that the government ofit was clear that the government of
South Vietnam was on the verge ofSouth Vietnam 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 had harboredVietnam, claiming that they had harbored
the Communists that were creating thethe Communists that were creating the
political instability.political instability.
• The result was massive protests on theThe result was massive protests on the
streets of Saigon that led Buddhist monksstreets of Saigon that led Buddhist monks
to self-immolation.to self-immolation.
• The pictures of the monks engulfed inThe pictures of the monks engulfed in
flames made world headlines and causedflames made world headlines and caused
considerable consternation in Washington.considerable consternation in 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 his brother wereWith Washington's tacit approval, Diem and his brother were
captured and later killed.captured and later killed.
• Three weeks later, President Kennedy was assassinated on theThree weeks later, President Kennedy was assassinated on the
streets of Dallas.streets of Dallas.

20. Escalation of the ConflictEscalation of the Conflict
• At the time of the Kennedy and DiemAt the time of the Kennedy and Diem
assassinations, there were 16,000assassinations, there were 16,000
military advisers in Vietnam.military advisers in Vietnam.
– The Kennedy administration hadThe Kennedy administration had
managed to run the war from Washingtonmanaged to run the war from Washington
without the large-scale introduction ofwithout the large-scale introduction of
American combat troops.American combat troops.
– The continuing political problems inThe continuing political problems in
Saigon, however, convinced the newSaigon, however, convinced the new
president, Lyndon Baines Johnson, thatpresident, Lyndon Baines Johnson, that
more aggressive action was needed.more aggressive action was needed.
• After a dubious North Vietnamese raid on two U.S. ships in the Gulf ofAfter a dubious North Vietnamese raid on two U.S. ships in the Gulf of
Tonkin, the Johnson administration argued for expansive war powersTonkin, the Johnson administration argued for expansive war powers
for the president.for 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 againstVietnam launched an attack against
the C. Turner Joy and the U.S.S.the C. Turner Joy and the U.S.S.
Maddox, two American ships on callMaddox, two American ships on call
in the Gulf of Tonkin.in the Gulf 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 JohnsonThe Johnson
administration used theadministration used the
August 4 attack toAugust 4 attack to
obtain a Congressionalobtain a Congressional
resolution, now knownresolution, now known
as the Gulf of Tonkinas the Gulf of Tonkin
Resolution, that gaveResolution, that gave
the president broad warthe president broad war
powers.powers.
• The Resolution wasThe Resolution was
followed by limitedfollowed by limited
reprisal air attacksreprisal air attacks
against North Vietnam.against North Vietnam.

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

24. Phosphorous & Napalm BombsPhosphorous & Napalm Bombs
• ““Operation RollingOperation Rolling
Thunder” was backed upThunder” was backed up
by phosphorous andby phosphorous and
napalm bombs – thenapalm bombs – the
latter causing dreadfullatter causing dreadful
burns to thousand ofburns to thousand of
innocent civilians.innocent civilians.

25. Operation Ranch HandOperation Ranch Hand
• When this failed to break down the jungle cover the USAFWhen this failed to break down the jungle cover the USAF
started “Operation Ranch Hand” – the defoliation program,started “Operation Ranch Hand” – the defoliation program,
using Agent Orange.using Agent 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. Invaders?Fight Back Against the U.S. Invaders?
• The North Vietnamese used classic MaoistThe North Vietnamese used classic Maoist
guerrilla tactics. “Guerrillas must move throughguerrilla tactics. “Guerrillas must move through
the peasants like fish through sea,” i.e., thethe peasants like fish through sea,” i.e., the
peasants will support them as much as they canpeasants will support them as much as they can
with shelter, food, weapons, storage, intelligence,with shelter, food, weapons, storage, intelligence,
recruits.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 & aircraft.The portable rocket launcher took out many US vehicles & aircraft.
– They recycledThey recycled dud bombs dropped by the Americans. Deadlydud bombs dropped by the Americans. Deadly
booby-traps could inflict huge damage on young Americanbooby-traps could inflict huge damage on young American
conscripts!conscripts!

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

30. Search & Destroy TacticsSearch & Destroy Tactics
• The United States counteredThe United States countered
with “Search and Destroy”with “Search and Destroy”
tactics. In areas where the NLFtactics. In areas where the NLF
were thought to be operating,were thought to be operating,
troops went in and checked fortroops went 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 the American/SouthThis often alienated the peasants from the American/South
Vietnamese cause.Vietnamese cause.
– As one marine said – “If they weren’t Vietcong before we got there,As one marine said – “If they weren’t Vietcong before we got there,
they sure as hell were by the time we left”.they sure as hell were by the time we left”.
– The NFL often helped the villager’s re-build their homes and buryThe NFL often helped the villager’s re-build their homes and bury
their dead.their dead.

31. Protracted War StrategyProtracted War Strategy
• After “OperationAfter “Operation
Rolling Thunder,” theRolling Thunder,” the
Communist PartyCommunist Party
moved to a protractedmoved to a protracted
war strategy: the ideawar strategy: the idea
was to get the Unitedwas to get the United
States bogged down inStates bogged down in
a war that it could nota war that it could not
win militarily and createwin militarily and create
unfavorable conditionsunfavorable conditions
for political victory.for political victory.

32. The War in AmericaThe War in America
• The Vietnam War had a majorThe Vietnam War had a major
impact on everyday life inimpact on everyday life in
America, and the JohnsonAmerica, and the Johnson
administration was forced toadministration was forced to
consider domestic consequencesconsider domestic consequences
of its decisions daily.of its decisions daily.
• Since there were not enoughSince there were not enough
volunteers to continue to fight avolunteers to continue to fight a
protracted war, the governmentprotracted war, the government
instituted a draft.instituted a draft.

33. Anti-War SentimentsAnti-War Sentiments
• As the deaths mountedAs the deaths mounted
and Americansand Americans
continued to leave forcontinued to leave for
Southeast Asia, theSoutheast Asia, the
Johnson administrationJohnson administration
was met with the fullwas met with the full
weight of American anti-weight of American anti-
war sentiments.war sentiments.

34. Anti-War ProtestsAnti-War Protests
• Protests erupted on college campuses and inProtests erupted on college campuses and in
major cities at first, but by 1968 every corner ofmajor cities at first, but by 1968 every corner of
the country seemed to have felt the war's impact.the country seemed to 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 1968came to Chicago in August 1968
to protest American interventionto protest American intervention
in Vietnam and the leaders of thein Vietnam and the leaders of the
Democratic Party who continuedDemocratic Party who continued
to prosecute the war.to prosecute the war.

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

37. The My Lai MassacreThe My Lai Massacre
• A serious blow to U.S. credibility came with theA serious blow to U.S. credibility came with the
exposure of the My Lai massacre (March 1968).exposure of the My Lai massacre (March 1968).
• Hushed up at the time and only discovered by aHushed up at the time and only discovered by a
tenacious journalist, this involved the killing oftenacious journalist, this involved the killing of
400 men, women and children by US troops. 400 men, women and children by 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 that heLyndon Johnson announced that he
would not seek the Democraticwould 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 challenger Richardfrom Republican challenger Richard
Nixon who claimed he had a secretNixon who claimed he had a secret
plan to end the war.plan to end the war.

39. VietnamizationVietnamization
• Nixon's secret plan involved aNixon's secret plan involved a
process called “Vietnamization.”process called “Vietnamization.”
This strategy brought AmericanThis strategy brought American
troops home while increasingtroops home while increasing
the air war over North Vietnamthe air war over North Vietnam
and relying more on the Southand relying more on the South
Vietnamese army for groundVietnamese army for ground
attacks.attacks.

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

41. Campus Protests & ShootingsCampus Protests & Shootings
• The intense bombingThe intense bombing
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
National GuardsmenNational Guardsmen
who were called outwho were called out
to preserve order onto preserve order on
campus after days ofcampus after days of
anti-Nixon protest.anti-Nixon protest.

43. Jackson StateJackson State
• Shock waves crossed theShock waves crossed the
nation as students atnation as students at
Jackson State in MississippiJackson State in Mississippi
were also shot and killed forwere also shot and killed for
political reasons, promptingpolitical reasons, prompting
one mother to cry, "Theyone mother to cry, "They
are killing our babies inare killing 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 unleashed aIn December 1972, the Nixon administration unleashed a
series of deadly bombing raids against targets in Northseries of deadly bombing raids against targets in North
Vietnam’s largest cities, Hanoi and Haiphong.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, the finalOn January 23, therefore, the final
draft was initialed, ending opendraft was initialed, ending open
hostilities between the Unitedhostilities between the United
States and North Vietnam.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, the SouthSaigon on April 30, 1975, the South
Vietnamese army tried desperately toVietnamese army tried desperately to
save the South from political andsave the South from political and
military collapse.military collapse.
• The end finally came when NorthThe end finally came when North
Vietnamese tanks rolled south alongVietnamese tanks rolled south along
National Highway One.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, endingpresidential palace in Saigon, ending
the Vietnam War.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 Vietnamese and theorganization of the North Vietnamese and the
National Liberation Front. National Liberation Front.

49. 2.2. Despite droppingDespite dropping
more tonnage of highmore tonnage of high
explosive on Vietnamexplosive on Vietnam
than the whole ofthan the whole of
World War II, theWorld War II, the
Americans could notAmericans could not
stop the movementstop the movement
of troops or suppliesof troops or supplies
to the south alongto the south along
the Ho Chi Minhthe Ho Chi Minh
Trail. Trail.

50. 3.3. The North VietnameseThe North Vietnamese
conducted a “Peoplesconducted a “Peoples
war” in which everyonewar” in which everyone
played a part.played a part.

51. 4.4. At first, most Americans supported the war.At first, most Americans supported the war.
But by 1970, the Peace Movement hadBut by 1970, the Peace Movement had
support from all parts of society and nosupport from all parts of society and no
government could ignore it.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, chewing gum,Coca Cola, chewing gum,
ball point pens, and iceball point pens, and ice
cream cones could notcream cones could not
dislodge their ancientdislodge their ancient
beliefs.beliefs.

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

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