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The US Involvement GrowsChapter 16.21954-1975

What You Will Learn

•  You have learned about the French losing Vietnam.

•  Reminder: US is a French Allie, US wants to contain communism.

•  Now you will learn about direct military involvement.

William Westmoreland

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Napalm

Hawk

Dove

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1.  Americanizing the WarJohnson starts Operation Rolling Thunder (Americanization)6 million tons of bombs dropped (3X all bombs dropped in WWII)Added napalm and Agent OrangeDestructive, but the Vietcong did not give upThe Vietcong was elusive and determined

Operation Rolling Thunde#2599D3

STAR Questions!!!

STAR Questions!!!

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2. Patriotism, Heroism and Sinking Morale

Americans wanted to fight a traditional warThe Vietcong chose to bring the war to jungles, rice paddies and mountains. Clad in black pajamas, Vietcong gunmen would spring out of dense foliage, attack with automatic rifles and grenades, and disappear back into the landscape- usually at night.

At first, men volunteered for the war to defeat communism. But as it drug on, most of the men were drafted. Soldiers felt like they were dying for a bad government, and uncaring South Vietnamese.

http://www.history.com/videos/vietnam-war-tactics

3. Doubt Grows on the Home FrontThe war weakened the economy

Johnson’s Great society was supposed to spend money domestically- reduce poverty, improve education and medical care, fight racial discrimination, etc. BUT bombs and soldiers are EXPENSIVE.

Hawks wanted to continue fighting until we won.Doves said the war cost too much money and lives.