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Explore essential terms related to the Vietnam War, including Ho Chi Minh, Domino Theory, and SEATO. Discover how French colonial rule influenced the rise of nationalism in Vietnam and the complex U.S. involvement during the Cold War. Understand the significance of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and the impact of corrupt leadership under Ngo Dinh Diem. This overview provides crucial insights into the geopolitical dynamics and ideological struggles that defined a pivotal conflict in modern history.
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Terms to know: • Ho Chi Minh • Domino Theory • Dien Bien Phu • SEATO • Vietcong • Gult of Tonkin Resolution • Vietminh • Ngo Dihn Diem
French Rule • Brought French laws and culture. • French controlled most of the wealth • French were not warmly received
Ho Chi Minh • Became a leader of N. Vietnam. • Rebelled against the French. • He supported Communism
WWII lessened some of France’s power • Nationalism on the rise • Difficult for France to maintain power.
How does the United States get involved? • Supported Ho Chi Minh in the thought that colonization was wrong and everyone deserved independence. BUT…. • The U.S. did not support communism and wanted France as an ally during the Cold War. • Truman sides with France
Eisenhower’s involvement? • Eisenhower kept aiding the French • “You have a row of dominos set up, you knock over one, and what will happen to the last on is the certainty that it will go over very quickly….” • DOMINO THEORY
France loses its struggle to regain Vietnam • Vietminh troops (those who fought against the French) destroy French stronghold at Dien Bien Phu
Geneva Accords • France granted independence to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. • Divided Vietnam into two Countries
American Opposes Communism in Vietnam • SEATO – South East Asia Treaty Organization – to contain the spread of communism • U.S. provided economic/military aid to S. Vietnam. Ngo Dinh Diem was the leader
There was supposed to be a reunification election, but Diem refused to participate for fear he would lose. • He was a corrupt leader, not very popular • Vietcong – S. Vietnamese who supported communism tried to overthrow Diem
Johnson comes to power • American destroyer USS Maddox was fired at in the Gulf of Tonkin • Gulf of Tonkin Resolution • Allowed Johnson to commit troops to S. Vietnam and to fight a war without asking Congress to declare it.