The Vietnam WarThe Vietnam War

America’s 10,000 Day WarAmerica’s 10,000 Day War

1945-19751945-1975

Indo-ChinaIndo-China

Indo-China: Indo-China: Vietnam, Vietnam, Cambodia, LaosCambodia, Laos

A blend of Chinese and A blend of Chinese and Indian influencesIndian influences

FranceFrance colonized Indo- colonized Indo-China in the 19th China in the 19th century.century.

World War II:World War II:

Indo-China was captured Indo-China was captured by the Japanese.by the Japanese.

Ho Chi MinhHo Chi Minh Ho Chi MinhHo Chi Minh (Nguyen Sinh Cung), (Nguyen Sinh Cung), 1890-1969, head of the rebel communist1890-1969, head of the rebel communistViet Minh Viet Minh and a strong nationalist, heand a strong nationalist, heled the resistance against the Japanese. led the resistance against the Japanese. ““Ho” means “bringer of light.”Ho” means “bringer of light.”

19451945--Japan was defeated and the French--Japan was defeated and the Frenchreturned to reclaim their empire in Indo-returned to reclaim their empire in Indo-China. China.

Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam's independence and waged a civil warindependence and waged a civil waragainst the French using against the French using guerrilla guerrilla warfarewarfare. .

To the French in 1949 he said, To the French in 1949 he said, ““You can kill ten of my men for everyYou can kill ten of my men for everyone I kill of yours, yet even with those one I kill of yours, yet even with those odds, you will lose and I will win.”odds, you will lose and I will win.”

Containment TheoryContainment Theory19491949--China fell to the communists; --China fell to the communists;

Mao Zedong promised aid to Mao Zedong promised aid to Vietnam in their resistance against Vietnam in their resistance against the French.the French.

19501950—The Korean War started when—The Korean War started when North Korea invaded South Korea. North Korea invaded South Korea.

To stop the advance of To stop the advance of communism, the U.S. utilized the communism, the U.S. utilized the Containment Theory: Containment Theory: a long-term plan to contain a long-term plan to contain communism’s expansive communism’s expansive tendencies (especially in Asia)tendencies (especially in Asia)

The U.S. sent $500 million annually to the FrenchThe U.S. sent $500 million annually to the French

to aid their fight against the Viet Minh. However,to aid their fight against the Viet Minh. However,

the Viet Minh gained strength, attracted support the Viet Minh gained strength, attracted support

from the people, and gradually came to control from the people, and gradually came to control

most of the countryside.most of the countryside.

Domino TheoryDomino Theory1952:1952: President Dwight Eisenhower utilized President Dwight Eisenhower utilizedthe the Domino Theory (if one nation in Domino Theory (if one nation in Southeast Asia fell to communism, then Southeast Asia fell to communism, then others in the area would follow)others in the area would follow) in his in his foreign policy approach to Vietnam. He also foreign policy approach to Vietnam. He also continued economic aid to Vietnam. continued economic aid to Vietnam.

19541954----SEATOSEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization: U.S., G.B., France, Organization: U.S., G.B., France, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan)Thailand, Pakistan) was formed to shore up was formed to shore upthe containment of communism in Southeastthe containment of communism in SoutheastAsia. Vietnam was not a member, but the U.S.Asia. Vietnam was not a member, but the U.S.believed communist expansion in Vietnam believed communist expansion in Vietnam might compel U.S. involvement in the region.might compel U.S. involvement in the region.

Vietnam Divided Vietnam Divided In 1954, the French surrendered at In 1954, the French surrendered at Dienbienphu. Dienbienphu.

Geneva Accords:Geneva Accords: According to According topeace agreements, Vietnam waspeace agreements, Vietnam wasdivided at the 17th parallel: The divided at the 17th parallel: The goal of the temporary partition was goal of the temporary partition was to end the fighting by withdrawing to end the fighting by withdrawing French troops into the South and French troops into the South and Ho's troops into the North, NOT to Ho's troops into the North, NOT to set up two separate countries. set up two separate countries. 

ElectionsElections on reunification were on reunification were slated for 1956. slated for 1956.

Democratic Republic of VietnamDemocratic Republic of Vietnam

North VietnamNorth Vietnam

(DRVN)(DRVN)

Presidents: Presidents:

Ho Chi MinhHo Chi Minh

1954-19691954-1969

Le DuanLe Duan

1969-19751969-1975

Republic of Vietnam Republic of Vietnam

South Vietnam (RVN)South Vietnam (RVN)Leaders:Leaders:

1954-19631954-1963 Ngo Dinh DiemNgo Dinh Diem 1963:1963: General Duong Van MinhGeneral Duong Van Minh 1963-65:1963-65: 13 governments in 19 months13 governments in 19 months1965:1965: President:President: General Nguyen Van Thieu General Nguyen Van Thieu Premier:Premier: Air Vice Marshall Nguyen Cao Ky Air Vice Marshall Nguyen Cao Ky President Eisenhower, along President Eisenhower, along

with John Foster Dulles, with John Foster Dulles, congratulates Ngo Dinh Diem.congratulates Ngo Dinh Diem.

19551955----U.S. provided $200 million annually in aid to Diem. U.S. provided $200 million annually in aid to Diem. Despite U.S. assistance, Diem's popularity shrank as he alienatedDespite U.S. assistance, Diem's popularity shrank as he alienatedpeasants through a land reform program that benefited the elite inpeasants through a land reform program that benefited the elite insociety and relocated villagers into strategic hamlets where they society and relocated villagers into strategic hamlets where they could be "protected" from communist rebels. Monks showed their could be "protected" from communist rebels. Monks showed their discontent with Catholic Diem’s repression of Buddhists by public discontent with Catholic Diem’s repression of Buddhists by public immolation. immolation.

National elections to unify theNational elections to unify thecountry were postponed country were postponed indefinitely because it was clear indefinitely because it was clear that Ho Chi Minh would win that Ho Chi Minh would win 80% of the vote in a free election. 80% of the vote in a free election.

U.S. advisers took over training U.S. advisers took over training the South Vietnamese Army. the South Vietnamese Army.

1957-19591957-1959—The —The Viet MinhViet Minh renewed guerrilla warfare; renewed guerrilla warfare; hundreds of Diem's localhundreds of Diem's localofficials were killed.officials were killed.

19591959--Two American advisers --Two American advisers killed. killed.

The National Liberation Front (NLF) The National Liberation Front (NLF) and the Viet Congand the Viet Cong

The The National Liberation National Liberation FrontFront (NLF) was formed in (NLF) was formed in an effort to liberate South an effort to liberate South Vietnam from "AmericanVietnam from "Americanimperialism." imperialism."

Its military arm was the Its military arm was the VietVietCongCong (Việt Cộng), a general (Việt Cộng), a general name derived from a contractionname derived from a contractionfor the Vietnamese phrase Việt for the Vietnamese phrase Việt Nam Cộng Sản, or "Vietnamese Nam Cộng Sản, or "Vietnamese Communist”.Communist”.

“ “A Limited War”A Limited War”

1961-19631961-1963--When John F. Kennedy--When John F. Kennedyentered office, he inherited an unstable, entered office, he inherited an unstable, non-democratic government in South non-democratic government in South Vietnam.  Yet he was determined to winVietnam.  Yet he was determined to winthe the "hearts and minds""hearts and minds" of the of the Vietnamese people by sending themVietnamese people by sending themeconomic aid.  To bolster Diem's fighteconomic aid.  To bolster Diem's fightagainst the VC, Kennedy increased theagainst the VC, Kennedy increased thenumber of American military advisors tonumber of American military advisors to16,00016,000 by the time of his death in late by the time of his death in late 1963.  The President hoped that he 1963.  The President hoped that he

wouldwouldbe able to buy time for the Diem be able to buy time for the Diem government - to build a "national will” government - to build a "national will” among the South Vietnamese people.  among the South Vietnamese people.  

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Herbert M. Blackwell, right, adviser to the South Vietnamese U.S. Army 1st Lt. Herbert M. Blackwell, right, adviser to the South Vietnamese Army's 2nd Battalion, 11th Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, questions a Viet Cong Army's 2nd Battalion, 11th Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, questions a Viet Cong prisoner taken on a sweep of the Plain of Reeds, near the Cambodian border. At left isprisoner taken on a sweep of the Plain of Reeds, near the Cambodian border. At left isa radioman serving as an interpreter. One Viet Cong guerrilla was killed and three a radioman serving as an interpreter. One Viet Cong guerrilla was killed and three were captured in the sweep. were captured in the sweep. Harry Chang ©Stars and Stripes Harry Chang ©Stars and Stripes Plain of Reeds, Vietnam, May, 1963:Plain of Reeds, Vietnam, May, 1963:

1961--"1961--"Green Beret" Green Beret" advisers sent to advisers sent to Vietnam. Vietnam.

19631963—JFK gives the —JFK gives the CIA permission to CIA permission to authorize a coup against authorize a coup against Diem’s regime. Diem Diem’s regime. Diem and his brother are killed and his brother are killed on the steps of the on the steps of the presidential palace in presidential palace in Saigon. Saigon.

“ “Americanization”Americanization”

Lyndon B. Johnson Lyndon B. Johnson

President: 1963-1965, President: 1963-1965,

1965-1969 1965-1969

"Americanizes" the"Americanizes" the

war: American war: American

troops will now bear troops will now bear

the burden of fightingthe burden of fighting

South Vietnam’s war.South Vietnam’s war.

A.A. Introduction of American Introduction of American Combat TroopsCombat Troops

Like Eisenhower, JohnsonLike Eisenhower, Johnsonsubscribed to the subscribed to the DominoDominoTheoryTheory, and was determined to, and was determined topreserve a non-communist preserve a non-communist government in South Vietnam; government in South Vietnam; yet he soon realized that this yet he soon realized that this could only be done with could only be done with American combat troops.  American combat troops.  His Secretary of Defense,His Secretary of Defense,Robert McNamara, wouldRobert McNamara, wouldbecome known as become known as ““The Architect of Vietnam.”The Architect of Vietnam.”

Gulf of Tonkin ResolutionGulf of Tonkin Resolution

Johnson secured passage Johnson secured passage of of The Gulf of Tonkin The Gulf of Tonkin ResolutionResolution on August 7, on August 7, 1964--a “blank check” that1964--a “blank check” thatallowed him to conduct a allowed him to conduct a war without any further war without any further consultations withconsultations withCongress.  The resolution Congress.  The resolution gave the president broad gave the president broad war-making powers. war-making powers.

"If you let a bully come into your "If you let a bully come into your front yard one day, the next day front yard one day, the next day he will be up on your porch and he will be up on your porch and the day after that he will rape the day after that he will rape your wife in your own bed.  We your wife in your own bed.  We must decide whether to help must decide whether to help these countries to the best of ourthese countries to the best of ourability, or throw in the towel in ability, or throw in the towel in the area and pull back our the area and pull back our defenses to San Francisco." defenses to San Francisco."

LBJLBJ

Within two years, 380,000 Within two years, 380,000 American soldiers were American soldiers were stationed in Vietnam; bystationed in Vietnam; by1968, there were 536,000. 1968, there were 536,000.

19651965----General William General William WestmorelandWestmoreland took took command. command.

Formal Formal protestsprotests against against the draft began on the draft began on October 15, 1965, when October 15, 1965, when the student-run National the student-run National Coordinating Committee Coordinating Committee to End the War in to End the War in Vietnam staged the first Vietnam staged the first public burning of a draft public burning of a draft card in the U. S.card in the U. S.

U.S. troops number: U.S. troops number: 184,000184,000

B. B.  Who is the enemy? TheWho is the enemy? The peasant? The Viet Cong? peasant? The Viet Cong? The North Vietnamese? The North Vietnamese?

Why might the Vietnamese peasant Why might the Vietnamese peasant

support a communist government?support a communist government?

It's difficult for us living in the luxury of capitalism to understand It's difficult for us living in the luxury of capitalism to understand that some people would want a communist system of government – that some people would want a communist system of government – but you have to think of it this way:  if you are a poor peasant and but you have to think of it this way:  if you are a poor peasant and you have nothing to lose and everything to gain from a revolution you have nothing to lose and everything to gain from a revolution that promises land reform, education, a job, and health care - then that promises land reform, education, a job, and health care - then communism doesn't sound so bad.  Of course, the promises may communism doesn't sound so bad.  Of course, the promises may not pan out, but for these peasants at the time, these promises not pan out, but for these peasants at the time, these promises certainly sounded better than the alternative. And the population ofcertainly sounded better than the alternative. And the population ofSouth VietnamSouth Vietnam consisted mostly of peasants. After so much consisted mostly of peasants. After so much repression by the government in Saigon, the peasants, one Viet repression by the government in Saigon, the peasants, one Viet Cong guerilla said, were "like a mound of straw ready to ignited."  Cong guerilla said, were "like a mound of straw ready to ignited."  In fact, the NLF's support was strongest in the countryside of South In fact, the NLF's support was strongest in the countryside of South Vietnam where peasants could be farmers by day and guerrillas by Vietnam where peasants could be farmers by day and guerrillas by night.  Thus in order to prevail in Vietnam, the U.S. needed to fight night.  Thus in order to prevail in Vietnam, the U.S. needed to fight the people they were proclaiming to defend:  the peasants. the people they were proclaiming to defend:  the peasants.

Tim Kelly, Ph.D, Instructor of History and Political Science, West Tim Kelly, Ph.D, Instructor of History and Political Science, West Valley College, Saratoga, CAValley College, Saratoga, CA

U.S. tactics used to defeat guerrilla warfare promotedU.S. tactics used to defeat guerrilla warfare promotedcontroversy: controversy: limited war, intense bombing, “search limited war, intense bombing, “search and destroy” missionsand destroy” missions.. Because the U.S. did not want Because the U.S. did not want a repeat of Korea when it crossed into the North and a repeat of Korea when it crossed into the North and brought about the involvement of Chinese troops, officials brought about the involvement of Chinese troops, officials were unwilling to send troops beyond the 17th parallel were unwilling to send troops beyond the 17th parallel into North Vietnam. Instead, the U.S. began strategic into North Vietnam. Instead, the U.S. began strategic bombing of North Vietnam (Operation “Rolling Thunder”)bombing of North Vietnam (Operation “Rolling Thunder”)and used and used "search and destroy""search and destroy" missions which meant missions which meant every Vietnamese became a potential enemy. Villages every Vietnamese became a potential enemy. Villages and hiding places were destroyed with and hiding places were destroyed with napalmnapalm and and Agent OrangeAgent Orange (a chemical defoliant). (a chemical defoliant).

Peasants who supported South Vietnam’s regimePeasants who supported South Vietnam’s regime

were removed from their ancestral lands and were removed from their ancestral lands and

relocated into relocated into "strategic hamlets""strategic hamlets" surrounded surrounded

by barbed wire. Those who remained in the by barbed wire. Those who remained in the

villages were considered to be V.C. or V.C. villages were considered to be V.C. or V.C.

sympathizers and thus subject to intense sympathizers and thus subject to intense

bombing in so-called bombing in so-called Free Fire ZonesFree Fire Zones, as were , as were

civilians in the North. civilians in the North.

Viet Cong Hiding Places, U.S. Army DiagramViet Cong Hiding Places, U.S. Army Diagram

During WWII, the Allies dropped two million tons of During WWII, the Allies dropped two million tons of

explosives in all theaters.  In Indo-China, six million tons of explosives in all theaters.  In Indo-China, six million tons of

explosives were dropped between 1965 and 1971. explosives were dropped between 1965 and 1971. 

Through the Through the chemical defoliationchemical defoliation program, program,

jungles were burned to uncover the enemy, andjungles were burned to uncover the enemy, and

crops were destroyed to deprive them of food.crops were destroyed to deprive them of food.

Nineteen million gallons of poisonous chemicalsNineteen million gallons of poisonous chemicals

such as Agent Orange were sprayed on Southsuch as Agent Orange were sprayed on South

Vietnam alone, killing livestock, fish, and causingVietnam alone, killing livestock, fish, and causing

blindness, birth defects, and death throughoutblindness, birth defects, and death throughout

peasant villages.  In the end, this suffering only peasant villages.  In the end, this suffering only

intensified the will of the peasants against the U.S. intensified the will of the peasants against the U.S.

November, 1967November, 1967 Robert McNamara Robert McNamara

announced he would resign.announced he would resign.

1968: Year of Disasters 1968: Year of Disasters (525,000 U.S. troops in (525,000 U.S. troops in

Vietnam)Vietnam) TET OffensiveTET Offensive

Viet Cong overran Viet Cong overran the cities of South the cities of South Vietnam and invaded Vietnam and invaded the American the American embassy in Saigon.embassy in Saigon.

It was a military win It was a military win by the U.S., but the by the U.S., but the public increasingly public increasingly turns against the warturns against the war

The The USS PUEBLOUSS PUEBLO, a U. S. Navy, a U. S. Navyvessel on an intelligence missionvessel on an intelligence missionoff the coast of North Korea, wasoff the coast of North Korea, wasattacked on January 23, 1968 by attacked on January 23, 1968 by North Korean naval vessels and North Korean naval vessels and MiG jets. One man was killed MiG jets. One man was killed and several were wounded. Theand several were wounded. Theeighty-two surviving crew eighty-two surviving crew members were captured andmembers were captured andheld prisoner for 11 months. The held prisoner for 11 months. The USS PUEBLO was the first U.S. USS PUEBLO was the first U.S. Navy ship to be hijacked on theNavy ship to be hijacked on thehigh seas by a foreign military high seas by a foreign military force in over 150 years.force in over 150 years.

The siege of the Marine base at Khe Sanh The siege of the Marine base at Khe Sanh

began January, 1968 and ended April 8, 1968.began January, 1968 and ended April 8, 1968.

Divisions between Divisions between HAWKS and DOVES HAWKS and DOVES intensified. intensified.

"Hey, hey, LBJ, "Hey, hey, LBJ, how many kids how many kids have you killed today?!" have you killed today?!" (war protestors’ chants)(war protestors’ chants)

March 31, 1968March 31, 1968 President Johnson President Johnson announces he will not announces he will not “seek, nor accept” the “seek, nor accept” the Democratic nomination Democratic nomination for the presidency.for the presidency.

He agreed to halt the He agreed to halt the bombing and begin bombing and begin peace negotiations peace negotiations

My Lai MassacreMy Lai Massacre--In a conflict where the enemy was a farmer by day and a V.C. --In a conflict where the enemy was a farmer by day and a V.C. soldier by night, the distinction between communist soldiers and innocent villagers wassoldier by night, the distinction between communist soldiers and innocent villagers washard to tell.  A fear of hard to tell.  A fear of allall Vietnamese resulted in incidents such as the My Lai Vietnamese resulted in incidents such as the My Lai Massacre.  A battalion of U.S. soldiers, who had been ambushed earlier in the day, Massacre.  A battalion of U.S. soldiers, who had been ambushed earlier in the day, took their revenge out on the village of My Lai by killing livestock, maiming civilians,took their revenge out on the village of My Lai by killing livestock, maiming civilians,and executing between 400-455 villagers. The incident was revealed six years later inand executing between 400-455 villagers. The incident was revealed six years later in1974 and called an isolated case by the military until veterans came forward with other1974 and called an isolated case by the military until veterans came forward with otherhorror stories of village massacres.  For many soldiers, the war had degenerated horror stories of village massacres.  For many soldiers, the war had degenerated to a level where every Vietnamese was an enemy.to a level where every Vietnamese was an enemy.

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination by assassination by James Earl Ray in Memphis, TN on April 4, James Earl Ray in Memphis, TN on April 4, 1968 set off a week of rioting and violence in 1968 set off a week of rioting and violence in 125 American cities. 125 American cities.

While campaigning for the Democratic nomination for While campaigning for the Democratic nomination for the presidency, the presidency, Robert F. KennedyRobert F. Kennedy was assassinated was assassinated by by Sirhan SirhanSirhan Sirhan in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968. in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968.

Outside theOutside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Democratic National Convention in Chicago, August, August, 1968, student activists and police clash in what would later by called1968, student activists and police clash in what would later by called““a police riot” by a government investigation. a police riot” by a government investigation.

1968 Presidential Election1968 Presidential Election

Richard M. Nixon and Spiro T. Agnew Richard M. Nixon and Spiro T. Agnew (Republicans)(Republicans)

Vice-President Hubert Humphrey and Vice-President Hubert Humphrey and Edmund Muskie (Democrats)Edmund Muskie (Democrats)

George Wallace and Curtis Lemay George Wallace and Curtis Lemay (Amer. Independent Party (Amer. Independent Party

President Richard M. Nixon President Richard M. Nixon 1969-1973, 1973-1969-1973, 1973-

19741974 Vietnamization Vietnamization

(Nixon Doctrine)(Nixon Doctrine) meant meant

gradually transferringgradually transferring

combat operations in combat operations in

Vietnam entirely to the Vietnam entirely to the

South Vietnamese armySouth Vietnamese army

and withdrawing and withdrawing

American combat troops. American combat troops.

Ho Chi Minh Dies, September 2, Ho Chi Minh Dies, September 2, 19691969

Le Duan, publicly readsLe Duan, publicly reads

the last will of Ho Chi the last will of Ho Chi

Minh urging the NorthMinh urging the North

Vietnamese to fight onVietnamese to fight on

"until the last Yankee "until the last Yankee

has gone."has gone."

On October 15,1969,On October 15,1969,

hundreds of hundreds of

thousands of peoplethousands of people

took part in took part in NationalNational

Moratorium DayMoratorium Day

antiwar demonstrations antiwar demonstrations

across the U.S.across the U.S.

The firstThe first draft lottery draft lottery since World War II in since World War II in the U.S. was held on December 1, 1969, the U.S. was held on December 1, 1969, based on a potential draftee's date of birth. based on a potential draftee's date of birth.

1970--334,400 U.S. 1970--334,400 U.S. troopstroops

U.S. and South U.S. and South Vietnamese forces Vietnamese forces invade Cambodia.invade Cambodia.

Ho Chi Minh TrailHo Chi Minh TrailThe Ho Chi Minh Trail was a complex web of jungle foot pathsThe Ho Chi Minh Trail was a complex web of jungle foot pathsand truck routes. Most truck routes were dirt roads and some and truck routes. Most truck routes were dirt roads and some important portions were paved with rock and pebbles. The important portions were paved with rock and pebbles. The Communist Viet Cong and Peoples Army of Vietnam (PAVN) Communist Viet Cong and Peoples Army of Vietnam (PAVN) were able to move an estimated sixty tons of supplies per daywere able to move an estimated sixty tons of supplies per dayfrom this route. Most of this was carried by porters. from this route. Most of this was carried by porters. Occasionally bicycles and ponies would also be used. Later, asOccasionally bicycles and ponies would also be used. Later, asit was widened and made more secure, trucks were sent downit was widened and made more secure, trucks were sent downthe trail. At regular intervals along the route the National the trail. At regular intervals along the route the National Liberation Front (NLF) built base camps that were a place for Liberation Front (NLF) built base camps that were a place for the troops to rest and contained canteens and medical facilities. the troops to rest and contained canteens and medical facilities.

Kent StateKent StateIn 1970 Kent State, located near Akron, Ohio, was a quiet collegeIn 1970 Kent State, located near Akron, Ohio, was a quiet collegewith an enrollment of 21,000 students.  According to a survey at the with an enrollment of 21,000 students.  According to a survey at the time, a majority of KSU students (54%) supported the Nixon time, a majority of KSU students (54%) supported the Nixon Administration policy of Vietnamization and gradual withdrawal.  OnAdministration policy of Vietnamization and gradual withdrawal.  OnApril 30, 1970, Nixon announced the invasion of Cambodia.  In a April 30, 1970, Nixon announced the invasion of Cambodia.  In a televised address to the nation, he justified the "incursion" as a televised address to the nation, he justified the "incursion" as a necessary response to North Vietnamese aggression.  Anticipating necessary response to North Vietnamese aggression.  Anticipating the public outcry at this apparent expansion of the increasingly the public outcry at this apparent expansion of the increasingly unpopular war, Nixon invoked a variation of Eisenhower's domino unpopular war, Nixon invoked a variation of Eisenhower's domino theory.  "If when the chips are down, the world's most powerful nation theory.  "If when the chips are down, the world's most powerful nation acts like a pitiful helpless giant, the forces of totalitarianism and acts like a pitiful helpless giant, the forces of totalitarianism and anarchy will threaten free nations... throughout the world.” anarchy will threaten free nations... throughout the world.” Demonstrations broke out on college campuses across the nation.Demonstrations broke out on college campuses across the nation.

On May 2, students from Kent State University burned down On May 2, students from Kent State University burned down the campus Army ROTC building which was scheduled to bethe campus Army ROTC building which was scheduled to betorn down.  Ohio Governor James A. Rhodes sent in the torn down.  Ohio Governor James A. Rhodes sent in the National Guard and personally visited the campus the next day, National Guard and personally visited the campus the next day, May 3, promising to use "every force possible" to restore order.May 3, promising to use "every force possible" to restore order.He condemned the Kent students as "the worst type of people He condemned the Kent students as "the worst type of people we harbor in America...worse than the Communists."  He we harbor in America...worse than the Communists."  He added, "We're going to eradicate the problem!"  Approximatelyadded, "We're going to eradicate the problem!"  Approximately 800 Ohio Guardsmen were on the campus and another 400 800 Ohio Guardsmen were on the campus and another 400 were nearby in the city.  On May 4, while classes were being were nearby in the city.  On May 4, while classes were being held as usual, around 1,000 students joined protesters, some held as usual, around 1,000 students joined protesters, some shouting and taunting the Guardsmen but most just watching shouting and taunting the Guardsmen but most just watching the excitement.  At noon the order was given to break up the the excitement.  At noon the order was given to break up the demonstration.  The Guard fired teargas canisters and advanceddemonstration.  The Guard fired teargas canisters and advanced on the students.on the students.

Student Alan Canfora remembered:Student Alan Canfora remembered: We were quite shocked We were quite shocked when, at the hilltop, perhaps a dozen members of Troop G when, at the hilltop, perhaps a dozen members of Troop G simultaneously stopped, turned and aimed their rifles. What simultaneously stopped, turned and aimed their rifles. What followed was a 13 second barrage of gunfire, mostly from followed was a 13 second barrage of gunfire, mostly from M-1 rifles, into our crowd of unarmed students. Some other M-1 rifles, into our crowd of unarmed students. Some other guardsmen from Company A also fired non-lethal shots.  Aguardsmen from Company A also fired non-lethal shots.  Atotal of 67 bullets were fired by the guardsmen from the total of 67 bullets were fired by the guardsmen from the hilltop. Most of the bullets were fired over 300 feet into thehilltop. Most of the bullets were fired over 300 feet into thedistant Prentice Hall parking lot. Two of the students killed, distant Prentice Hall parking lot. Two of the students killed, Allison Krause and Jeff Miller, were protesters. Two others,Allison Krause and Jeff Miller, were protesters. Two others,Sandy Scheuer and Bill Schroeder were bystanders. Jeff wasSandy Scheuer and Bill Schroeder were bystanders. Jeff waskilled 275 feet away from his killer. Allison was 350 feet killed 275 feet away from his killer. Allison was 350 feet away. Sandy and Bill were approximately 390 feet away.away. Sandy and Bill were approximately 390 feet away.Nine others, including myself, were wounded.  Dean Kahler Nine others, including myself, were wounded.  Dean Kahler remains in a wheelchair after he was shot in the back.remains in a wheelchair after he was shot in the back.

John Filo, a Kent State student working in the school’s photo lab, John Filo, a Kent State student working in the school’s photo lab, took a photo of Mary Vecchio that won him the Pulitzer Prize and took a photo of Mary Vecchio that won him the Pulitzer Prize and appeared on the front page of the New York Times.appeared on the front page of the New York Times.

Immediately after the Kent State shooting on MayImmediately after the Kent State shooting on May4, 1970, Neil Young composed the song "Ohio" after 4, 1970, Neil Young composed the song "Ohio" after looking at photos appearing in Life magazine and thenlooking at photos appearing in Life magazine and then taking a walk in the woods. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and taking a walk in the woods. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young went to the studio and recorded the song which Young went to the studio and recorded the song which was released to radio stations shortly after the killings. was released to radio stations shortly after the killings. Soon, the lyrics "Four dead in Ohio" became an anthemSoon, the lyrics "Four dead in Ohio" became an anthem to a generation. In some parts of the country, the songto a generation. In some parts of the country, the song was banned from play lists because of its "anti-war" and was banned from play lists because of its "anti-war" and "anti-Nixon" sentiments. "anti-Nixon" sentiments.

OhioOhio (lyrics by Neil Young)(lyrics by Neil Young)

Tin soldiers and Nixon coming,Tin soldiers and Nixon coming,We're finally on our own.We're finally on our own.This summer I hear the drumming,This summer I hear the drumming,Four dead in Ohio.Four dead in Ohio.Gotta get down to itGotta get down to itSoldiers are gunning us downSoldiers are gunning us downShould have been done long ago.Should have been done long ago.What if you knew herWhat if you knew herAnd found her dead on the groundAnd found her dead on the groundHow can you run when you know?How can you run when you know?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00063EMJ6/http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00063EMJ6/ref=m_art_li_2/104-4021410-9930323?ref=m_art_li_2/104-4021410-9930323?

s=music&v=glance&n=5174 s=music&v=glance&n=5174

January 4, 1971 - President Nixon announcesJanuary 4, 1971 - President Nixon announces "the end is in sight." "the end is in sight."

1971--156,800 U.S. troops1971--156,800 U.S. troops South Vietnamese troops invade Laos.South Vietnamese troops invade Laos. March 1971 - Opinion polls indicate Nixon's March 1971 - Opinion polls indicate Nixon's

approval rating among Americans has approval rating among Americans has dropped to 50 percent, while approval of his dropped to 50 percent, while approval of his Vietnam strategy has slipped to just 34 Vietnam strategy has slipped to just 34 percent. Half of all Americans polled believe percent. Half of all Americans polled believe the war in Vietnam to be "morally wrong."the war in Vietnam to be "morally wrong."

The credibility of the government suffered The credibility of the government suffered when The New York Times and later other when The New York Times and later other newspapers, published newspapers, published The Pentagon Papers. The Pentagon Papers. This top-secret historical study of Vietnam, This top-secret historical study of Vietnam, presented a pessimistic view of victory in the presented a pessimistic view of victory in the Vietnam War and generated additional Vietnam War and generated additional criticism of U.S. policy. Most, but not allcriticism of U.S. policy. Most, but not allof the Pentagon Papers were given ("leaked") of the Pentagon Papers were given ("leaked") to the newspapers by Department of Defense to the newspapers by Department of Defense employee Daniel Ellsberg. On June 28, employee Daniel Ellsberg. On June 28, Ellsberg publicly surrendered and was taken Ellsberg publicly surrendered and was taken into custody. He was charged with theft, into custody. He was charged with theft, conspiracy, and espionage. In one of Nixon’s conspiracy, and espionage. In one of Nixon’s actions against Ellsberg, G. Gordon Liddy andactions against Ellsberg, G. Gordon Liddy andE. Howard Hunt broke into Ellsberg’s E. Howard Hunt broke into Ellsberg’s psychiatrist’s office hoping to find informationpsychiatrist’s office hoping to find informationto discredit him. The revelation of the break-in to discredit him. The revelation of the break-in became part of the Watergate scandal. Becausebecame part of the Watergate scandal. Becauseof the gross governmental misconduct, all of the gross governmental misconduct, all charges against Ellsberg were eventually charges against Ellsberg were eventually dropped.dropped.

1972--Intense bombing of North Vietnam begins.1972--Intense bombing of North Vietnam begins.

July 18, 1972 - July 18, 1972 - During a visit to During a visit to Hanoi, actress Jane Hanoi, actress Jane Fonda broadcasts Fonda broadcasts anti-war messages anti-war messages via Hanoi Radio.via Hanoi Radio.

1972 Presidential 1972 Presidential ElectionElection

In the 1972 U.S. In the 1972 U.S. presidential presidential election, the war election, the war was again a major was again a major issue. An antiwar issue. An antiwar candidate, George candidate, George McGovern ran McGovern ran against President against President Nixon.Nixon.

In October, Secretary of State Henry In October, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger declared that "peace is at Kissinger declared that "peace is at hand" shortly before Election Day, hand" shortly before Election Day, dealing a deathblow to McGovern's dealing a deathblow to McGovern's campaign, which was already far campaign, which was already far behind in opinion surveys. However, behind in opinion surveys. However, the peace agreement was not signedthe peace agreement was not signeduntil the next year, leading to chargesuntil the next year, leading to chargesthat Kissinger's announcement was athat Kissinger's announcement was apolitical ploy.political ploy.

The Nixon Administration claimed The Nixon Administration claimed that North Vietnamese negotiatorsthat North Vietnamese negotiatorshad made use of Kissinger'shad made use of Kissinger'spronouncement as an opportunity topronouncement as an opportunity toembarrass the president and toembarrass the president and toweaken the U.S. position at theweaken the U.S. position at thenegotiation table.negotiation table.

Presidential Election of Presidential Election of 19721972

1973--Paris Peace Accords signed: North Vietnamese troops 1973--Paris Peace Accords signed: North Vietnamese troops remained in South Vietnam;remained in South Vietnam; NLF officially recognized.NLF officially recognized.

Congress voted to end all bombing.Congress voted to end all bombing. U.S. would continue to supply President Thieu.U.S. would continue to supply President Thieu. War Powers Act—War Powers Act—restricted presidential powers in conducting war.restricted presidential powers in conducting war. Fighting continues in Vietnam.Fighting continues in Vietnam. More than 31,000 South Vietnamese soldiers died in 1974 -- their highestMore than 31,000 South Vietnamese soldiers died in 1974 -- their highest number for any year except 1972. number for any year except 1972.

January 27, 1973 –January 27, 1973 –

Secretary of Defense Secretary of Defense

Melvin Laird Melvin Laird

announces the draft announces the draft

is ended in favor of is ended in favor of

voluntary enlistment voluntary enlistment

American P.O.W.sAmerican P.O.W.sOperation Homecoming, February 1973Operation Homecoming, February 1973

President Richard Nixon President Richard Nixon Resigns, August 9, 1974Resigns, August 9, 1974

To fight through the months To fight through the months

ahead for my personal ahead for my personal

vindication would almost vindication would almost

totally absorb the time andtotally absorb the time and

attention of both the Presidentattention of both the President

and the Congress. Therefore, Iand the Congress. Therefore, I

shall resign the presidency, shall resign the presidency,

effective at noon tomorrow. effective at noon tomorrow.

Vice President Ford will be Vice President Ford will be

sworn in as President at that sworn in as President at that

hour, in this office.hour, in this office.

President Gerald Ford, 1974-1977President Gerald Ford, 1974-1977

As president, Ford As president, Ford

oversaw the U.S.'s finaloversaw the U.S.'s final

withdrawal from withdrawal from

Vietnam and the Vietnam and the

evacuation of thousands evacuation of thousands

of Vietnamese citizens. of Vietnamese citizens.

On May 7, 1975, Ford On May 7, 1975, Ford

delivered a speech delivered a speech

announcing the official endannouncing the official end

of the Vietnam Era.of the Vietnam Era.

April 30, 1975 Saigon April 30, 1975 Saigon fallsfalls

Two years after a cease-fire agreement Two years after a cease-fire agreement promised peace in Vietnam; ten years after promised peace in Vietnam; ten years after America sent combat troops into its longest America sent combat troops into its longest war; twenty years after an international war; twenty years after an international conference divided Vietnam; thirty years after conference divided Vietnam; thirty years after the Communists launched their struggle for the Communists launched their struggle for Vietnam's independence, Saigon fell.Vietnam's independence, Saigon fell.

After a generation of battle, Hanoi's After a generation of battle, Hanoi's commanding general proclaimed their Great commanding general proclaimed their Great Spring Victory.Spring Victory.

The War Is OverThe War Is Over

April 30, 1975 - At 8:35 a.m., the last Americans,April 30, 1975 - At 8:35 a.m., the last Americans,

ten Marines from the embassy, departed Saigon, ten Marines from the embassy, departed Saigon,

concluding the United States presence in Vietnam. concluding the United States presence in Vietnam.

North Vietnamese troops pour into Saigon and North Vietnamese troops pour into Saigon and

encounter little resistance. By 11 a.m., the red andencounter little resistance. By 11 a.m., the red and

blue Viet Cong flag flies from the presidential blue Viet Cong flag flies from the presidential

palace. President Minh broadcasts a message ofpalace. President Minh broadcasts a message of

unconditional surrender. The war is over.unconditional surrender. The war is over.

The Communists had The Communists had attained their goal: attained their goal: they had toppled the they had toppled the Saigon regime. But Saigon regime. But the cost of victory the cost of victory was high. In the past was high. In the past decade alone, one decade alone, one Vietnamese in every Vietnamese in every ten had been a ten had been a casualty of war. casualty of war. Nearly a million and Nearly a million and a half killed, three a half killed, three million wounded. million wounded.

Though American Though American equipment still stocked equipment still stocked Saigon's markets, the Saigon's markets, the Americans were gone. Americans were gone. They counted nearly They counted nearly 60,000 dead and more 60,000 dead and more than 300,000 wounded. than 300,000 wounded.

It was their first defeat. It was their first defeat. The promised end of the The promised end of the tunnel had brought not tunnel had brought not light but a new light but a new uncertainty, new uncertainty, new questions: questions: what was what was America's role in the America's role in the world? What were the world? What were the lessons of Vietnam?lessons of Vietnam?

““Washington underestimated the Washington underestimated the tenacity of little men walking tenacity of little men walking through the jungles barefoot in through the jungles barefoot in pajamas.”pajamas.”

Major Results of the Vietnam WarMajor Results of the Vietnam War Loss of American influence and prestige Loss of American influence and prestige

worldwideworldwide InflationInflation No national heroesNo national heroes Divided America (hawks and doves)Divided America (hawks and doves) Increased public mistrust of government.Increased public mistrust of government. Destroyed two presidencies.Destroyed two presidencies. Impacted future U.S. foreign policy. Impacted future U.S. foreign policy.

““...a bitter remembrance of things past ...a bitter remembrance of things past that is sure to haunt the future...”that is sure to haunt the future...”

Socialist Republic of VietnamSocialist Republic of Vietnam

Saigon’s name changed to Ho Chi Minh City. Saigon’s name changed to Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi is now the capital city.Hanoi is now the capital city.Ho Chi Minh Trail is now safe for wildlife. Ho Chi Minh Trail is now safe for wildlife. In a historic shift in 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam implemented In a historic shift in 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam implemented free-market reforms. With the authority of the state remaining free-market reforms. With the authority of the state remaining unchallenged, private ownership of farms and companies, deregulation unchallenged, private ownership of farms and companies, deregulation and foreign investment were encouraged. The economy has achievedand foreign investment were encouraged. The economy has achievedrapid growth in agricultural and industrial production, construction and rapid growth in agricultural and industrial production, construction and housing, exports and foreign investment. It is now one of the fastesthousing, exports and foreign investment. It is now one of the fastestgrowing economies in the world.growing economies in the world.Politically, reforms have not occurred. The Communist Party of VietnamPolitically, reforms have not occurred. The Communist Party of Vietnamretains control over all organs of government.retains control over all organs of government.

Work CitedWork Citedhttp://www.loyno.edu/~seduffy/MapImages/VietnamWar-display.jpghttp://www.loyno.edu/~seduffy/MapImages/VietnamWar-display.jpg

timmer.orgtimmer.org/.../Lecture21/ Lecture21_p02.htm/.../Lecture21/ Lecture21_p02.htm was used extensively in this presentation. Tim was used extensively in this presentation. Tim

Kelly, Ph.D., Instructor of History and Political Science, West Valley College, Saratoga, CAKelly, Ph.D., Instructor of History and Political Science, West Valley College, Saratoga, CA

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