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US Involvement in Vietnam
US involvement was formed by the Cold War, Truman Doctrine, and Domino Theory. They believed communist should be contained in one place. If not contained, Communism would expand and take over governments like Asia who were weak. Eisenhower believed that a US failure to respond to communism in Indochina would damage Us credibility. -
First Indochina War
1946 to 1954
When American Agents worked with Viet Minh against the Japanese occupiers, Minh hoped that the US would now back up Vietnamese Independence. US Politicians had started to believe in the "Domino Theory". They believed that if one country fell into communism, The neighbors would follow right after.
Eisenhower gave $15 Million for military assistance to French Indochina. -
Geneva Accords
The goal was to work out a peace agreement and arrange for Indochina's Future. French has to withdraw their troops from Northern Vietnam. Afterward, Vietnam would be divided at the 17th parallel until the pending elections withheld for two years choose a president. United States never fully supported the peace agreements fearing that Ho Chi Minh and the communist would win the election. -
Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (or SEATO)
Also called the Manila Pact. Created to strengthen peace and uphold the principles of democracy. It was also to provide mutual defense against armed attacks and against internal subversion. Unlike NATO, SEATO has no joint command with standing forces.
US, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Philippines, Thailand, and Pakistan.
(Considered a Failure) -
Diem
Ran corrupt government that oppressed its people. Diem was Devout Catholic and killed anyone who was otherwise. Diem was a poor administrator who refused to delegate authority. He was suspicious of anyone who was not a family memeber. -
Viet Cong attacks Diem's Government
Viet Cong's attack was supported by Minh. Weapons began being transported by the Ho Chi Minh trail which ran through Laos and Cambodia. Diem, A christian, began to attack Buddhism to expel the religion in the South. Monks also began lighting themselves on fire in form of a protest. Eisenhower had taken little to no action against Viet Cong. Murdered thousands of government officials. -
President Kennedy
In 1961, Kennedy became president but still did little about Viet Cong. He only sent money and "Advisers".
