The Vietnam WarThe Vietnam War

By: Daniel NguyenBy: Daniel Nguyen

SummarySummary

Vietnam war also known as the Vietnam war also known as the Second Indochina War, the Vietnam Second Indochina War, the Vietnam Conflict or the American War.Conflict or the American War.

It was a military conflict that took It was a military conflict that took place in Vietnam, Laos, and place in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from Nov. 1, 1955 to April Cambodia from Nov. 1, 1955 to April 30, 1975.30, 1975.

It followed the First Indochina War.It followed the First Indochina War.

Who V WhoWho V Who

Communist North Vietnam with its Communist North Vietnam with its communist allies against communist allies against government of South Vietnam with government of South Vietnam with the U.S. and other anti-communist the U.S. and other anti-communist nations.nations.

Battle Strategies Battle Strategies

Viet Cong- a lightly armed South Viet Cong- a lightly armed South Vietnamese communist-controlled Vietnamese communist-controlled common front. common front.

Fought anticommunist forcesFought anticommunist forces Use Guerrilla war.Use Guerrilla war.

What is Guerrilla WarWhat is Guerrilla War

Commonly known as irregular Commonly known as irregular warfarewarfare

Means “Little War” in SpanishMeans “Little War” in Spanish It is when small group of soldiers It is when small group of soldiers

attack a larger or much more attack a larger or much more powerful group of soldiers through powerful group of soldiers through ambush or raid.ambush or raid.

Battle StrategiesBattle Strategies

North Vietnam ArmyNorth Vietnam Army More conventional WarfareMore conventional Warfare They overwhelm their enemies by They overwhelm their enemies by

sending large units into battle.sending large units into battle.

Battle Strategies Battle Strategies

U.S. and South Vietnam ArmyU.S. and South Vietnam Army Relied on air strikes and Relied on air strikes and

overwhelming firepower to conduct overwhelming firepower to conduct search and destroy operationssearch and destroy operations

What they use? Ground Forces, What they use? Ground Forces, Artillery, and air strikes.Artillery, and air strikes.

Why U.S. entered the Why U.S. entered the WarWar

The U.S. entered the war to prevent The U.S. entered the war to prevent the communist take over of South the communist take over of South Vietnam as part of their containment Vietnam as part of their containment policy. policy.

The U.S. didn’t want South Vietnam The U.S. didn’t want South Vietnam to fall to communism like China.to fall to communism like China.

TimelineTimeline

Guide through War Guide through War

1950- military advisors began to go to 1950- military advisors began to go to VietnamVietnam

1960- U.S. involvement escalated1960- U.S. involvement escalated 1961- U.S. troops sent to Vietnam1961- U.S. troops sent to Vietnam 1962- U.S. troops sent to Vietnam1962- U.S. troops sent to Vietnam 1965- U.S troops sent to Vietnam1965- U.S troops sent to Vietnam 1968- Tet offensive 1968- Tet offensive 1969-1973- Vietnamization, reduce 1969-1973- Vietnamization, reduce

U.S. troops from Vietnam while U.S. troops from Vietnam while training South Vietnam troopstraining South Vietnam troops

ContinuedContinued

Jan 1973- Paris Peace Accords, Jan 1973- Paris Peace Accords, fighting still continuedfighting still continued

1973- Case-Church Amendment, 1973- Case-Church Amendment, prohibited use of American military prohibited use of American military unless the president secured unless the president secured congressional approval in advancecongressional approval in advance

April 1975- Capture of Saigon by the April 1975- Capture of Saigon by the North Vietnamese army marked end North Vietnamese army marked end of warof war

1976- Vietnam reunified 1976- Vietnam reunified

Background of VietnamBackground of Vietnam

The French ControlThe French Control• 1850- France began its takeover of 1850- France began its takeover of

IndochinaIndochina• 1893- The take over was complete1893- The take over was complete• Indochina- it is a peninsula in Southeastern Indochina- it is a peninsula in Southeastern

Asia, East of India and South of ChinaAsia, East of India and South of China• Indochina was taken over because French Indochina was taken over because French

Colonizers wanted to expand from their Colonizers wanted to expand from their territory in Vietnam to neighboring territory in Vietnam to neighboring countriescountries

• Treaty of Hue- 1884, Gave French rule Treaty of Hue- 1884, Gave French rule over Vietnam for the next seven decadesover Vietnam for the next seven decades

ResistanceResistance• Can Vuong- It was a large Scale Can Vuong- It was a large Scale

Vietnamese Insurgency to resist French Vietnamese Insurgency to resist French Rule.Rule.

• At first it prospered the French were At first it prospered the French were surprised by the attacks and caught off surprised by the attacks and caught off guard, but they soon recovered and guard, but they soon recovered and poured a lot more French soldiers into poured a lot more French soldiers into VietnamVietnam

• Because the resistant gradually lost, they Because the resistant gradually lost, they blamed Vietnamese Christians of aiding blamed Vietnamese Christians of aiding the Frenchthe French

Continued Continued

• The Can Vuong killed a total of 40,000 The Can Vuong killed a total of 40,000 Christians, a third of the Christian Christians, a third of the Christian population in Vietnampopulation in Vietnam

• The French did not believed the The French did not believed the rumors about the massacre at first, rumors about the massacre at first, but soon evidence showed it was true.but soon evidence showed it was true.

• The French put a stop to it and after The French put a stop to it and after this event the Can Vuong movement this event the Can Vuong movement slowly became smaller until it was slowly became smaller until it was gone.gone.

Another ResistanceAnother Resistance

• Phan Dinh Phung was a Vietnamese rebel Phan Dinh Phung was a Vietnamese rebel who led the fight against the French who led the fight against the French forcesforces

• Like the Can Voung resistance, Phan Dinh Like the Can Voung resistance, Phan Dinh Phung rebel army slowly fell to the Phung rebel army slowly fell to the FrenchFrench

• The French took out more and more rebel The French took out more and more rebel bases everyday, and the resistance ended bases everyday, and the resistance ended with the death of Phan Dinh Phung with the death of Phan Dinh Phung because of dysentery( intestines infection)because of dysentery( intestines infection)

Japanese takeover Japanese takeover

• WWII- the Germans defeated the French WWII- the Germans defeated the French in 1940in 1940

• This meant that Germany now controlled This meant that Germany now controlled French Indochina and Vichy FrenchFrench Indochina and Vichy French

• But during the invasion of French But during the invasion of French Indochina, the French help Japan in the Indochina, the French help Japan in the retaking of the landretaking of the land

• When the German forces were gone When the German forces were gone from French, the Free French started to from French, the Free French started to have talks with French Indochina have talks with French Indochina colonial authoritiescolonial authorities

ContinuedContinued

• March 9, 1945- the Japanese got rid March 9, 1945- the Japanese got rid of the French because they could not of the French because they could not trust them and controlled Vietnam trust them and controlled Vietnam by themselvesby themselves

Viet MinhViet Minh

• Resisted any kind of occupation Resisted any kind of occupation (French, Japan, Germany)(French, Japan, Germany)

• Founded in 1941Founded in 1941• Funded by the U.S. and Chinese Funded by the U.S. and Chinese

nationalists nationalists

1944-19451944-1945

• Deep famine struck N. Vietnam- poor Deep famine struck N. Vietnam- poor weather and Japanese occupationweather and Japanese occupation

• 1 million out of 10 million in the area 1 million out of 10 million in the area dieddied

• Viet Minh urged people to ransack Viet Minh urged people to ransack rice warehouses and refuse to pay rice warehouses and refuse to pay their taxestheir taxes

• Viet Minh gained many more Viet Minh gained many more membersmembers

Japanese defeat in WWIIJapanese defeat in WWII

• Aug. 1945- Japanese defeated and Aug. 1945- Japanese defeated and surrendersurrender

• Viet Minh started the Aug. RevolutionViet Minh started the Aug. Revolution• It was a group that tried to stop the It was a group that tried to stop the

French from retaking VietnamFrench from retaking Vietnam• But the Allied victors from WWII all But the Allied victors from WWII all

decided that the area did belong to decided that the area did belong to the Frenchthe French

The retakingThe retaking

• The allies agreed that the British The allies agreed that the British would take control of South Vietnam, would take control of South Vietnam, while Nationalist China would retake while Nationalist China would retake North Vietnam because France did North Vietnam because France did not have enough power.not have enough power.

• To help them retake South Vietnam, To help them retake South Vietnam, Britain rearmed some French and Britain rearmed some French and Japanese men.Japanese men.

First Indochina WarFirst Indochina War

• France was slowly gaining control of France was slowly gaining control of VietnamVietnam

• Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the Viet Minh Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the Viet Minh tried to negotiate with France tried to negotiate with France

• Jan. 1946 the Viet Minh won election in Jan. 1946 the Viet Minh won election in central and northern Vietnamcentral and northern Vietnam

• March 1946- French forces landed in March 1946- French forces landed in Hanoi and by Nov. they kicked Viet Minh Hanoi and by Nov. they kicked Viet Minh out of the cityout of the city

• The Viet Minh soon started the First The Viet Minh soon started the First Indochina War using the guerrilla war Indochina War using the guerrilla war tactic against French Union Forcestactic against French Union Forces

ContinuedContinued

• This war spread to Laos and CambodiaThis war spread to Laos and Cambodia• There governments, the Pathet Lao There governments, the Pathet Lao

and the Khmer Serai, was similar to and the Khmer Serai, was similar to the Viet Minhthe Viet Minh

• The Viet Minh had a lack of weapons The Viet Minh had a lack of weapons until 1949, when the Chinese until 1949, when the Chinese communists had won the civil war and communists had won the civil war and were able to provide weapons to their were able to provide weapons to their ally Vietnamally Vietnam

Two different Two different GovernmentsGovernments

• Viet Minh's government- Democratic Viet Minh's government- Democratic Republic of Vietnam, communistRepublic of Vietnam, communist

• State of Vietnam, non-communist, State of Vietnam, non-communist, led by Emperor Bao Dailed by Emperor Bao Dai

• June 1950, out break of Korean WarJune 1950, out break of Korean War• Convince Washington policymakers Convince Washington policymakers

the First Indochina War was part of the First Indochina War was part of a communist takeover led by a communist takeover led by Kremlin( government of Russia) Kremlin( government of Russia)

Major Allies Major Allies

• Viet Minh- PRC( People Republic of Viet Minh- PRC( People Republic of China) and Soviet UnionChina) and Soviet Union

• France- U.S., Military Assistance and France- U.S., Military Assistance and Advisory Group (MAAG)Advisory Group (MAAG)

Nuclear attacksNuclear attacks

• French and Americans talk about the French and Americans talk about the possible use of nuclear weaponspossible use of nuclear weapons

• Operation Vulture- use up to three Operation Vulture- use up to three atomic weapons to try to dill Viet atomic weapons to try to dill Viet Minh's commander Vo Nguyen Giap Minh's commander Vo Nguyen Giap at his positionat his position

• But Eisenhower stop this plan, But Eisenhower stop this plan, deciding the possible benefits is not deciding the possible benefits is not worth the risksworth the risks

The Beginning of the endThe Beginning of the end

• Viet Minh received important support Viet Minh received important support from the Soviet Union and PRC in from the Soviet Union and PRC in Border Campaign of 1950, it allowed Border Campaign of 1950, it allowed supplies to be transported to themsupplies to be transported to them

• The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was the The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was the end for Franceend for France

• May 7, 1954- France surrenderedMay 7, 1954- France surrendered• Geneva Conference- ceasefire and Geneva Conference- ceasefire and

independence granted to Cambodia, independence granted to Cambodia, Laos, and VietnamLaos, and Vietnam

After the WarAfter the War

• Vietnam was split at the 17Vietnam was split at the 17thth parallel, and under the terms of parallel, and under the terms of the Geneva Convention civilians the Geneva Convention civilians were able to move freely between were able to move freely between the 2 states for 300 daysthe 2 states for 300 days

• 1 million northern catholic flea 1 million northern catholic flea to the south because of fear of to the south because of fear of persecution by the communistspersecution by the communists

• The U.S. gave 93 million dollars The U.S. gave 93 million dollars in the relocation programin the relocation program

• 2 million more Catholics would have 2 million more Catholics would have left the North if the Viet Minh didn’t left the North if the Viet Minh didn’t stop themstop them

• Election were to be held in 1956 to Election were to be held in 1956 to unified the governmentunified the government

• About 130,000 from the south went up About 130,000 from the south went up north for regroupmentnorth for regroupment

• The Viet Minh left up to 10,000 cadres The Viet Minh left up to 10,000 cadres in South Vietnam( communist in South Vietnam( communist organizers)organizers)

• Viet Minh ruled the North and engaged Viet Minh ruled the North and engaged in land reformsin land reforms

RejectionRejection

• Former empire of Vietnam, Bao Dai Former empire of Vietnam, Bao Dai and his prime minister Ngo Dinh and his prime minister Ngo Dinh Diem refuse to hold electionsDiem refuse to hold elections

• Diem said how can free elections be Diem said how can free elections be held if there is communism in the held if there is communism in the NorthNorth

ElectionElection

• April-June 1955- Diem killed off his April-June 1955- Diem killed off his opposition against the organize crime opposition against the organize crime groups of Cao Dai religious sect, the groups of Cao Dai religious sect, the Hao Hao sect of Ba Cut, and Binh Hao Hao sect of Ba Cut, and Binh XuyenXuyen

• Oct 23- Diem rigged the poll supervised Oct 23- Diem rigged the poll supervised by his brother Ngo Dinh Nhuby his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu

• He won by 98.2 percent of the vote, the He won by 98.2 percent of the vote, the Americans suggest a more moderate or Americans suggest a more moderate or reasonable percent like 70%, but Diem reasonable percent like 70%, but Diem saw this as a test of authoritysaw this as a test of authority

• Oct. 26, 1955-Diem declared the Oct. 26, 1955-Diem declared the New Republic of Vietnam(ROV) with New Republic of Vietnam(ROV) with him as presidenthim as president

Diem EraDiem Era

• Domino Theory- if one country fell Domino Theory- if one country fell to communism, the others will tooto communism, the others will too

• JFK clearly stated if vietnam fell to JFK clearly stated if vietnam fell to communism, the neighboring communism, the neighboring countries would toocountries would too

Diem's RuleDiem's Rule

• Diem was a devout catholicDiem was a devout catholic• In the eyes of Vietnam, many In the eyes of Vietnam, many

ordinary vietnamese citizens saw ordinary vietnamese citizens saw him as a person who helped the him as a person who helped the French French

• His dedication to Mary also His dedication to Mary also alarmed many Vietnamesealarmed many Vietnamese

““Denounce the Denounce the Communists”Communists”

• Ti was a policy in which anti-Ti was a policy in which anti-government groups were arrested, government groups were arrested, imprisoned, tortured, or killedimprisoned, tortured, or killed

• Opponents were given the name Viet Opponents were given the name Viet Cong (Vietnamese Communist)Cong (Vietnamese Communist)

• Political repression- 12,000 suspected Political repression- 12,000 suspected opponents of Diem killed( 1955-1957), opponents of Diem killed( 1955-1957), 40,000 political prisoners(1958)40,000 political prisoners(1958)

The Visit to U.S.The Visit to U.S.

• May- Diem visit U.S.May- Diem visit U.S.• Eisenhower pledge his supportEisenhower pledge his support• Secretary of State- John Foster Dulles- Secretary of State- John Foster Dulles-

stated the only reason Diem was praise stated the only reason Diem was praise in the U.S. because of he was the in the U.S. because of he was the only alternative only alternative

• American tried to apply American American tried to apply American method t Vietnamese culture, Diem method t Vietnamese culture, Diem warned it will not work in solving their warned it will not work in solving their problemsproblems

Sino-Soviet SplitSino-Soviet Split

• Less PRC interferenceLess PRC interference• PRC first Secretary- Truong Chinh PRC first Secretary- Truong Chinh

demoteddemoted• Hanoi authorized communists in Hanoi authorized communists in

South Vietnam to begin low level of South Vietnam to begin low level of insurgency( Dec. 1956)insurgency( Dec. 1956)

The Norther rulesThe Norther rules

• Ho Chi Minh was smartHo Chi Minh was smart• Ex. Do not engaged in military Ex. Do not engaged in military

operation that would lead to operation that would lead to defeat, Do not take land from defeat, Do not take land from plesant, etc.plesant, etc.

• ““armed propaganda”- if you have armed propaganda”- if you have to kill someone use a kife and to kill someone use a kife and explain why you killed that personexplain why you killed that person

Le DuanLe Duan

• A communist leader in the South A communist leader in the South replaced Truong as first secretaryreplaced Truong as first secretary

• Urged military line and increase Urged military line and increase insurgencyinsurgency

• Violence aim at government, then Violence aim at government, then it spread to school teachers, health it spread to school teachers, health workers, and agricultural officialsworkers, and agricultural officials

The KillingsThe Killings

• Insurgents killed village chiefs that Insurgents killed village chiefs that were appointed by Diemwere appointed by Diem

• Its objective was to destroy Its objective was to destroy Southern Vietnam government in Southern Vietnam government in rural villages and them with rural villages and them with shadow governmentshadow government

““Armed Struggle”Armed Struggle”

• Jan 1959- North's Central Committee Jan 1959- North's Central Committee authorize “armed struggle”, South authorize “armed struggle”, South communist to begin large scale communist to begin large scale operations against South Vietnam operations against South Vietnam ArmyArmy

• North suppplied Southern communists North suppplied Southern communists through Ho Chi Minh Trailthrough Ho Chi Minh Trail

• Dec 1960- Hanoi authorized creaton of Dec 1960- Hanoi authorized creaton of National Liberation Front(NlF), National Liberation Front(NlF), common frot, controlled by common frot, controlled by communists in Southcommunists in South

• The U.S overestimated the control The U.S overestimated the control that Hanoi had over NlFthat Hanoi had over NlF

• Diem's paranoia, repression, and Diem's paranoia, repression, and incompetence angered a large incompetence angered a large section of Southern Vietnamsection of Southern Vietnam

JFK AdminstrationJFK Adminstration

• 1961-19631961-1963• When JFK won the 1960 election- “pay When JFK won the 1960 election- “pay

and price for the survival of libertyand price for the survival of liberty• The Korean War created the idea of a The Korean War created the idea of a

limited warlimited war• JFK interested in using special forces JFK interested in using special forces

for counterinsurgency in 3for counterinsurgency in 3rdrd world world countriescountries

• Green Baret Green Baret

The CrisisThe Crisis

• JFK remained committed to the JFK remained committed to the cold warcold war

• 3 point crisis-3 point crisis-• Failure of Bay of Pigs InvasionFailure of Bay of Pigs Invasion• Construction of Berlin WarConstruction of Berlin War• Pathet Lao communist movementPathet Lao communist movement• JFK determined to stop JFK determined to stop

communism in Vietnamcommunism in Vietnam

• May 1961, Vice President Lyndon B. May 1961, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson visit SaigonJohnson visit Saigon

• He declared Diem the Winston Churchill He declared Diem the Winston Churchill of Asiaof Asia

• JFK policy toward South Vietnam- Diem JFK policy toward South Vietnam- Diem forces must defeat guerrilla attacks on forces must defeat guerrilla attacks on their owntheir own

• JFK's advisers- Maxwill Taylor and Walt JFK's advisers- Maxwill Taylor and Walt Rostow recommend U.S. Troops Rostow recommend U.S. Troops deguised as flood relief workes, he deguised as flood relief workes, he reject this plan, but did increase troopsreject this plan, but did increase troops

• 1963- 16,000 American troops1963- 16,000 American troops• John Kenneth Gallbraith warned JFK John Kenneth Gallbraith warned JFK

the U.S. might become like France.the U.S. might become like France.

Hamlet ProgramHamlet Program

• 1961- turn rural population into fortified 1961- turn rural population into fortified campscamps

• 3 Goals3 Goals• Isolat population from insurgentsIsolat population from insurgents• Provide education and health careProvide education and health care• Strengthen government hold over Strengthen government hold over

countrysidecountryside• Failed mostly because Pham Ngoc Thac Failed mostly because Pham Ngoc Thac

ran the program, a communist agent ran the program, a communist agent who damaged the ROV from the insidewho damaged the ROV from the inside

• July 23, 1962, signed agreement Laos July 23, 1962, signed agreement Laos neutralneutral

Coup and assassinationCoup and assassination

• Bad performance of South Vietnam Army Bad performance of South Vietnam Army due to failed actionsdue to failed actions

• 1. Battle of Ap Bar- small Viet Cong 1. Battle of Ap Bar- small Viet Cong defeated large South Vietnam Armydefeated large South Vietnam Army

• Diem's most trusted Gen. Huynh Van Cao Diem's most trusted Gen. Huynh Van Cao had been promoted not because of skill had been promoted not because of skill but religionbut religion

• Washing policy makers dicided Diem not Washing policy makers dicided Diem not capable of defeation Communists and capable of defeation Communists and might even make a deal with Ho Chi might even make a deal with Ho Chi MinhMinh

Hue Vesak ShootingsHue Vesak Shootings

• Buddhists protesting on Vesak on ban of Buddhists protesting on Vesak on ban of Buddhists flagsBuddhists flags

• Mass rotest against privledges for Mass rotest against privledges for catholicscatholics

• Diem refuse to take responsibility for Diem refuse to take responsibility for deathsdeaths

• Aug 21, 1963- ARVN Special Forces of Aug 21, 1963- ARVN Special Forces of Colonel Le Quang Tung, lovay to Diem's Colonel Le Quang Tung, lovay to Diem's younger brother Ngo Dinh Nhu, raid younger brother Ngo Dinh Nhu, raid pagodas across Vietnampagodas across Vietnam

Decision TimeDecision Time

• 1963- U.S. Have to choose 1963- U.S. Have to choose between a coup or Diembetween a coup or Diem

Proposed ChangeProposed Change

• Removal of Diem's younger brother Removal of Diem's younger brother NhuNhu

• He controlled the secret police and He controlled the secret police and special forces and seen a the man special forces and seen a the man behind the Buddhist repression behind the Buddhist repression and geneerally the reason for Ngo and geneerally the reason for Ngo family's rulefamily's rule

• Proposed to U.S. Embassy in Proposed to U.S. Embassy in Saigon- Cable 243Saigon- Cable 243

• CIA in contact with generals who want CIA in contact with generals who want to overthrow Diem, U.S. would not to overthrow Diem, U.S. would not oppose such a moveoppose such a move

• Nov. 2, 1963- Pres. Diem killed along Nov. 2, 1963- Pres. Diem killed along with his brotherwith his brother

• Pres. JFK did not approve of the murderPres. JFK did not approve of the murder• Ambassador too South Vietnam, Henry Ambassador too South Vietnam, Henry

Cabot Lodge, congradulated coup Cabot Lodge, congradulated coup leadersleaders

• Hanoi took advantage of the situation Hanoi took advantage of the situation and increase guerrilla attacksand increase guerrilla attacks

• South Vietnam political structure is a South Vietnam political structure is a messmess

• The U.S. Was ignorant toward The U.S. Was ignorant toward insurgencyinsurgency

• The U.S. Instead focus on pacification The U.S. Instead focus on pacification and win over the hearts and minds of and win over the hearts and minds of the populationthe population

CIA formed CIA formed

• Special Activites DivisionSpecial Activites Division• Phoenix Program Phoenix Program • Macp- V SOG (Studies and Macp- V SOG (Studies and

observation group)observation group)

Lyndon B. Johnson Lyndon B. Johnson expands the war( 1963- expands the war( 1963-

1969)1969)• Took over after JFKTook over after JFK• NSAM 273- expand the warNSAM 273- expand the war• Gen. Duong Vau Minh- head of the Gen. Duong Vau Minh- head of the

military Revolution Councilmilitary Revolution Council• Lodge questioned about his abilityLodge questioned about his ability• Jan 1964- overthrown by Gen. Jan 1964- overthrown by Gen.

Nnguyen Khanh Nnguyen Khanh

The Gulf of Tonkin The Gulf of Tonkin incidentincident

• Several attacks on U.S. ShipsSeveral attacks on U.S. Ships• Congress approve Gulf of Tonkin Congress approve Gulf of Tonkin

Resolution- gave president power to Resolution- gave president power to condust military operations in South condust military operations in South Eastern Asia without declaration of warEastern Asia without declaration of war

• NSA latered confirmed there was no NSA latered confirmed there was no attackattack

• “ “ The Gulf OF Tonkin incident”- just a The Gulf OF Tonkin incident”- just a way for Johnson to gain support for the way for Johnson to gain support for the WarWar

• 1964- both sides increased men1964- both sides increased men

Bombing CampaignsBombing Campaigns

• Because of and attack on Pleiku Because of and attack on Pleiku operations Flaming Dart, Operation operations Flaming Dart, Operation Rolling Thunder, Arrc Light started Rolling Thunder, Arrc Light started

• All bombing campaigns of the North All bombing campaigns of the North VietnamVietnam

• U.S. Also bombed VIA( Vietnam U.S. Also bombed VIA( Vietnam People's Army)People's Army)

• Tried to mess up Ho Chi Minh TrailTried to mess up Ho Chi Minh Trail• Stopping North Vietnam support of Stopping North Vietnam support of

NFL( Nation Front for the Liberation NFL( Nation Front for the Liberation of Vietnam)of Vietnam)

Esculation and Ground Esculation and Ground WarWar

• March 8, 1965- 3,500 U.S. Marines into March 8, 1965- 3,500 U.S. Marines into Southern VietnamSouthern Vietnam

• Beginning of U.S. Ground WarBeginning of U.S. Ground War• Ho Chi Minh warned about a long warHo Chi Minh warned about a long war• DRV( Democratic Ripublic of Vietnam) DRV( Democratic Ripublic of Vietnam)

stated its mission was not to destroy stated its mission was not to destroy non- communist governmentnon- communist government

• Marines nearlyy to 200,000 by Dec.Marines nearlyy to 200,000 by Dec.

• ARVN9 Army of the Republic of Vietnam)- ARVN9 Army of the Republic of Vietnam)- suffered heavy losses at the Battle of suffered heavy losses at the Battle of BinhoiaBinhoia

• Communists successfully defended strong Communists successfully defended strong ARVN forces in conventional warfareARVN forces in conventional warfare

• Desertation rates were increasingDesertation rates were increasing• Gen. William Westmoreland decided to Gen. William Westmoreland decided to

let U.S. Troops fight and sideline let U.S. Troops fight and sideline Southern Southern

3 point plan3 point plan

• Commitment of U.S.- forces necessary to Commitment of U.S.- forces necessary to halt the losing trend by the end of 1965halt the losing trend by the end of 1965

• U.S. And allied forces mount major U.S. And allied forces mount major offensive actions to seize the initiative to offensive actions to seize the initiative to destroy guerrilla and organized enemy destroy guerrilla and organized enemy forces. This phase would be concluded forces. This phase would be concluded whn the enemy had been worn down, whn the enemy had been worn down, thrown of on the defensive, and driven thrown of on the defensive, and driven back from major populated areasback from major populated areas

• If the enemy persist give them a final If the enemy persist give them a final blowblow

ExperienceExperience

• The 1 year tour of duty decrease The 1 year tour of duty decrease experienceexperience

• Washinton gwt troops from some Washinton gwt troops from some countries, but not from the major alliescountries, but not from the major allies

• The coming to power of Prime Minister The coming to power of Prime Minister Air Marshal Nguyen Cao Ky and Air Marshal Nguyen Cao Ky and figurehead Chief of State, Ge. Nguyen figurehead Chief of State, Ge. Nguyen Van Thieu, ended coupVan Thieu, ended coup

• 1967 Thieu became president and Ky his 1967 Thieu became president and Ky his deputydeputy

• Calmness during this period allow ARVN Calmness during this period allow ARVN to become a better fighting forceto become a better fighting force

Tet OffensiveTet Offensive

• Jan 1968, NVA and NlF lunced a Jan 1968, NVA and NlF lunced a suprise attacksuprise attack

• They broke the truce that had They broke the truce that had accompanied the Tet holidayaccompanied the Tet holiday

• Over 100 cities attackedOver 100 cities attacked

HueHue

• NLF and NVA captured the Imperial NLF and NVA captured the Imperial Citadel and much of the cityCitadel and much of the city

• Led to the Battle of HueLed to the Battle of Hue• Left 80% of city in ruinsLeft 80% of city in ruins• Between the capture of Citadel and Between the capture of Citadel and

the Battle of Hue insurgents the Battle of Hue insurgents massacred unarmed Hue civilians, massacred unarmed Hue civilians, about 6,000about 6,000

• Cause damage to NLF forcesCause damage to NLF forces

The unexpected The unexpected consepuenceconsepuence

• Westmoreland had beome public face Westmoreland had beome public face of the warof the war

• He said the end of war was near, but He said the end of war was near, but even thought the Americans won the even thought the Americans won the Tet, it showed the intelligence failure Tet, it showed the intelligence failure that led to the attackthat led to the attack

• It showed the war was not close to the It showed the war was not close to the end, it turned Americans against the end, it turned Americans against the war, and ended Johnson political careerwar, and ended Johnson political career

• In March Westmoreland became In March Westmoreland became chief of staff of the Armychief of staff of the Army

• Promotion, but quickly lost it Promotion, but quickly lost it because of the offensive and 200,000 because of the offensive and 200,000 more troops request leak to the more troops request leak to the mediamedia

• Succeeded by Creighton AbramsSucceeded by Creighton Abrams

• May 10, 1968- peace talks began May 10, 1968- peace talks began between the U.S. and North Vietnambetween the U.S. and North Vietnam

• Johnson ordered a halt to the Johnson ordered a halt to the bombing of North Vietnambombing of North Vietnam

• Electon between Hubert Humphrey Electon between Hubert Humphrey v.s. Richard Nixonv.s. Richard Nixon

• Nixon told Saigon do not particpate in Nixon told Saigon do not particpate in peace talks until he become president peace talks until he become president because he will give them a better because he will give them a better dealdeal

Vietnamization 1969-Vietnamization 1969-19721972

• Nixon begins the Nixon Nixon begins the Nixon Doctrine(build up the ARVN) and Doctrine(build up the ARVN) and withdraw American troopswithdraw American troops

• It later became known as It later became known as VietnamizationVietnamization

• BY spring of next year- 265,000 BY spring of next year- 265,000 troop reductiontroop reduction

AuthorityAuthority

• Oct 10, 1969- Nixon ordered 18 B-Oct 10, 1969- Nixon ordered 18 B-52s loaded with nuclear bombs to fly 52s loaded with nuclear bombs to fly across the border of the Soviet across the border of the Soviet airspace to show he has the power airspace to show he has the power to end the warto end the war

New StrategyNew Strategy

• Creighton Abrams shifted to smaller Creighton Abrams shifted to smaller operation having better success operation having better success

• Nixon decrease global tension, but Nixon decrease global tension, but he was still upset that the PRC and he was still upset that the PRC and the Soviet Union still supply North the Soviet Union still supply North VietnamVietnam

• Sept 1969- Ho Chi Minh died at 79Sept 1969- Ho Chi Minh died at 79

Anti- WarAnti- War

• The anti-war movement gained The anti-war movement gained strength across the U.S., Nixon tried strength across the U.S., Nixon tried to tell Americans to support the war, to tell Americans to support the war, but events like My Lai Massacre and but events like My Lai Massacre and “Green Beret Affair” and Speedy “Green Beret Affair” and Speedy Express stop thisExpress stop this

Operation MenuOperation Menu

• Prince Norodom Sihanouk had proclaim Prince Norodom Sihanouk had proclaim Cambodia but communists use their Cambodia but communists use their soil as base, he lets them so he would soil as base, he lets them so he would not be drawn into a bigger conflictnot be drawn into a bigger conflict

• But soon Washington pressured him But soon Washington pressured him enough to change his policyenough to change his policy

• This was when Nixon took advantage This was when Nixon took advantage and lunch operation menu( massive and lunch operation menu( massive secret bombings against communist secret bombings against communist bases along the Vietnam and Cambodia bases along the Vietnam and Cambodia borders_borders_

ProtestsProtests

• The invasion of Cambodia resulted in The invasion of Cambodia resulted in a nation wide protest in the U.S.a nation wide protest in the U.S.

• 4 students were killed during the 4 students were killed during the protest by National Grardsmen at protest by National Grardsmen at Kent State University in OhioKent State University in Ohio

• 1971- Pentagon Papers revealed to 1971- Pentagon Papers revealed to public, it detailed long series of public, it detailed long series of public deception, Supreme court public deception, Supreme court ruled it illegalruled it illegal

• Feb 1971- Operation Lam Son 719- Feb 1971- Operation Lam Son 719- aim at cutting the Ho Chi Minh Trailaim at cutting the Ho Chi Minh Trail

• Half of ARVN troops captured or killedHalf of ARVN troops captured or killed• Proved Vietnamization was a failureProved Vietnamization was a failure• Also in 1971 Australia and New Also in 1971 Australia and New

Zealand withdrew their troopsZealand withdrew their troops• U.S. troop count- 196,700U.S. troop count- 196,700• Fragging- murders of unpopular officerFragging- murders of unpopular officer

Easter OffensiveEaster Offensive

• VPA and NLF, and forces from VPA and NLF, and forces from Cambodia invade South VietnamCambodia invade South Vietnam

• Operation Line Backer- air powerOperation Line Backer- air power• Halted the attackHalted the attack

1972 election and Paris 1972 election and Paris Peace AccordsPeace Accords

• Nixon v.s. George McGovernNixon v.s. George McGovern• Started Negogatation Started Negogatation • When North Vietnam went public When North Vietnam went public

with the negogations Nixon with the negogations Nixon administration claimed it was an administration claimed it was an attempt to embarass the presidentattempt to embarass the president

Force to negotatiate Force to negotatiate

• Operation Linebacker II- massive Operation Linebacker II- massive bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong (Dec. 18-29) 1972(Dec. 18-29) 1972

• Nixon threatened to take away aidNixon threatened to take away aid• Jan 27, 1973- Paris Peace Accord- Jan 27, 1973- Paris Peace Accord-

offically ended U.S. involvement in offically ended U.S. involvement in the war and there was a ceasefire, the war and there was a ceasefire, U.S. POWs released, and a call for U.S. POWs released, and a call for electionselections

Exit of the AmericansExit of the Americans

North Vietnam’s planNorth Vietnam’s plan

• Do Logistics until they were ready to Do Logistics until they were ready to launch a massive invasion of the launch a massive invasion of the South, predicter for the 1975-1976 South, predicter for the 1975-1976 dry seasondry season

• Paris Peace Accord between North Paris Peace Accord between North Vietnam foreign minister Le Duc Tho Vietnam foreign minister Le Duc Tho and U.S. Secretary of State Henry and U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and reluctantly signed by Kissinger, and reluctantly signed by South Vietnam President ThieuSouth Vietnam President Thieu

• Novel peace prize awarded to Novel peace prize awarded to Kissinger and Tho- Tho declineKissinger and Tho- Tho decline

• America had given up on VietnamAmerica had given up on Vietnam

• Vietcong resumed offensive operations Vietcong resumed offensive operations when dry season began and by January when dry season began and by January 1974 they had recaptured the territory 1974 they had recaptured the territory they lost during the previously dry they lost during the previously dry seasonseason

• 2 battles that left 55 South Vietnamese 2 battles that left 55 South Vietnamese soldiers deadsoldiers dead

• Jan 4- Pres Thieu announced ceasefire Jan 4- Pres Thieu announced ceasefire overover

• 25,000 South Vietnamese casualties 25,000 South Vietnamese casualties during the ceasefire during the ceasefire

• Vietcong top commander Tran Van Tra Vietcong top commander Tran Van Tra

• Gerald Ford took over as U.S. Gerald Ford took over as U.S. President for Nixon on Aug 1974President for Nixon on Aug 1974

• Because of the Success during the 1973-Because of the Success during the 1973-1974 dry season, Tra returned to Hanoi 1974 dry season, Tra returned to Hanoi in Oct 1974 to request for a larger in Oct 1974 to request for a larger offensive during the next dry seasonoffensive during the next dry season

• Giap, the North Vietnamese defense Giap, the North Vietnamese defense minister, was reluctant to approve the minister, was reluctant to approve the request because it might interfere with request because it might interfere with the big plan in 1976the big plan in 1976

• Tra then ask first secretary Le Duan, and Tra then ask first secretary Le Duan, and he say yeshe say yes

TestTest

• Tra called for an attack from Tra called for an attack from Cambodia to Phuoc Long Province Cambodia to Phuoc Long Province

• He did not try to win this battle, he He did not try to win this battle, he just wanted to see the South just wanted to see the South Vietnamese reaction and if the Vietnamese reaction and if the U.S. Would return to the battleU.S. Would return to the battle

• Jan 6, 1975 Phuoc Binh, the Jan 6, 1975 Phuoc Binh, the provincial capital fellprovincial capital fell

• Ford beg congress to let him help Ford beg congress to let him help South Vietnam because of the Case-South Vietnam because of the Case-Church Amendment, but congress Church Amendment, but congress refuseedrefuseed

• Because of the success of the attack, Because of the success of the attack, Politburo decided that operations in Politburo decided that operations in the Central Highland would be the Central Highland would be turned to Gen. Van Tien Dung and turned to Gen. Van Tien Dung and that Pleiku should be seized. that Pleiku should be seized.

19751975

• At the start of this time the South At the start of this time the South Vietnamese army had a massive Vietnamese army had a massive advantage in weapons over the advantage in weapons over the North Vietnamese army, but North Vietnamese army, but because of the rising oil prices it because of the rising oil prices it could not be used.could not be used.

• North Vietnam could use its North Vietnam could use its weapons because of its weapons because of its communists allies.communists allies.

Campaign 275Campaign 275

• March 10, 1975- led by Gen. DungMarch 10, 1975- led by Gen. Dung• It was a limited offensive into the It was a limited offensive into the

Central Highlands to try to take Central Highlands to try to take Ban Me Thuot, this would pave the Ban Me Thuot, this would pave the way for a campaign at Pleiku in way for a campaign at Pleiku in 1976.1976.

• It was taken on March 11It was taken on March 11

• President Nguyen Van Thieu ordered a President Nguyen Van Thieu ordered a retreat of the South Vietnamese army.retreat of the South Vietnamese army.

• Some ARVN units attempted to flee Some ARVN units attempted to flee while some attempted to fightwhile some attempted to fight

• It became known as the “Column of It became known as the “Column of Tears”Tears”

• The refugees mixed in with the line of The refugees mixed in with the line of retreatretreat

• One of the Poorest withdrawal in historyOne of the Poorest withdrawal in history

HueHue

• On March 20, Thieu ordered Hue On March 20, Thieu ordered Hue to be held at all coststo be held at all costs

• Civilians were fleeing from Hue Civilians were fleeing from Hue any way possibleany way possible

• March 31, Hue FellMarch 31, Hue Fell

Final North Vietnamese offensiveFinal North Vietnamese offensive

• Politburo ordered Gen. Dung to lunch Politburo ordered Gen. Dung to lunch the final offensive against Saigonthe final offensive against Saigon

• April 7- three North Vietnamese April 7- three North Vietnamese divisions attacked Xuan Loc, 40 miles divisions attacked Xuan Loc, 40 miles east of Saigoneast of Saigon

• The North Vietnamese army The North Vietnamese army encountered fierce resistance from the encountered fierce resistance from the ARVN 18ARVN 18thth division division

• April 21- they surrenderApril 21- they surrender

• President Thieu said the U.S. President Thieu said the U.S. Betrayed South Vietnam and turned Betrayed South Vietnam and turned his power over to Tran Van Huong his power over to Tran Van Huong

• April 27- 100,000 North Vietnamese April 27- 100,000 North Vietnamese troops seized Saigon, while the city troops seized Saigon, while the city was only defended by 30,000 ARVN was only defended by 30,000 ARVN troopstroops

• Martial law was declared and Martial law was declared and Operation Frequent Wind was in Operation Frequent Wind was in effecteffect

• On April 30, 1975 Duong Van Minh, On April 30, 1975 Duong Van Minh, who succeeded Huong, surrenderedwho succeeded Huong, surrendered

CasualtiesCasualties

• Not for sureNot for sure• NLF suffered 1.1 million deads and NLF suffered 1.1 million deads and

600,000 wounded600,000 wounded• Civilians deaths were put at 2 Civilians deaths were put at 2

million I North and South Vietnammillion I North and South Vietnam• Between 200,000 and 250,000 Between 200,000 and 250,000

South Vietnamese soldiers died in South Vietnamese soldiers died in the warthe war