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Ho Chi Minh founds Communist Party – Indochinese Communist Party (ICP)
Ho Chi Minh became interested in a pursuing greater equality in the Vietnamese government. He first tried to voice this opinion at the Versailles Conference, but he failed, and presented his ideas at the French Socialist Party. After this he became a member of the French communist party and became a Communist internationalist. After meeting many other communists, in 1930 they formed over 200 groups of trained communists to expand communism. Ho Chi Minh had successfully founded the ICP. -
Vietmihn
The Vth was an organization that was started by Ho Chi Minh, who recruited communist, pro-independent Vietnamese citizens who fought foreign interference: Jap, France, and US. The Vietnam War was a fight against Min who worked with So. V-Nam commies to remove the US. Ho and Vo Nguyen Giap succeeded as presidents of NV-Nam, who ultimately defeated the US. -
Truman gives aid to Vietminh
Truman gave over $93m to France to prevent the V-minh from gaining commie land in V-Nam. The goal was to contain V-Nam from communism as the French fought to keep the colony. V-man was split into N. & S. V-Nam; N. V-nam was communist and S. was free. N. wanted to try and spread commy to S. V-nam. N. V-Nam began killing unfaithful people. By giving $93 mil. we able to contain commy for the duration of the war, but at the cost of extreme money that the US citizens needed for better education. -
Battle of Dien Bien Phu (DBP)
The decisive battle of the first indochina war. It was a fight to control an outpost near Laos b/w France and the V-Minh (commies). France held the V-n town of DBP to cut off supplies to Laos. V-Minh set up blockade of 40,000 men in the town to regain freedom. Even though France had US aid, the V-Minh still defeated them on 5/7/54. France was so distraught w/ the loss, they chose to end all wars and make a pact w/ Vietnam at Geneva Conference. US fears of communism escalate. -
Viet Cong (VC) Formation
The VC formed in S. Vietnam after China enforced a ceasefire between France and the Viet Minh, necessary b/c of the Geneva Accord (1954). VC began when all but about several 1000 cadres, professional revolutionaries, evacuated to N. Vietnam. Remaining Cadre job: refocus on political activity and agitation. Were led by the Saigon-Cholon Peace Committee (1st VC front). VC would be a very dangerous enemy of the USA in the war, which by 1960 would move from fighting w/ terror, to using battalions. -
Establishing Ngo Dinh Diem
After the Geneva Accord, Viet divided into N(controlled by V-Minh) & S(free, US support) at the 17th parallel & Ngo became prime minister of S-Viet. The US supported Ngo bc he resisted communism. Ngo forced Boa Dai (emperor) to let the ppl of S-Viet to chose president in a general election. Election was fixed, Ngo won by 98%, making him S-Viet 1st pres. Overall, Ngo was a bad establishment into S-Viet's govt bc, although anti-communism, his tactics were very corrupt, violent, and extreme. -
JFK sends 16,000 military advisors to South Vietnam SV
JFK sent advisers into SV to help in training the army and surveying. JFK military adviser Maxwell Taylor was told to report on avoiding a worse situation in SV and how to contain and get rid of the threat to independence. After months JFK figures that the freedoms of the people lie in the hands of the people of South Vietnam. JFK signed a doc saying that 80% of the advisers would come home Christmas 63' and all the troops home by 65' but upon his death his successor LBJ over rode the document. -
Self Immolation
Thick Quang Duc, a Buddhist monk from V’Nam burned himself at a busy intersection to bring attention to the Catholic Diem Regime’s religious oppression, his heroic sacrifice to draw attention V’Nam-related injustice will inspire three brave Americans: Norman Morrison, Alice Herz, and Roger LaPorte, who all opposed the V’Nam War. Morrison did it outside of the Sec. of Defense’s office. Herz, an 82 yrs, on a street corner in Detroit. A 22 yrs member CWM, Roger La Porte, UN building NYC -
Assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem
The assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem was considered the turning point in US/Vietnam relations. The US wanted a leadership change because of Diem favoring certain groups and the way he ignored Vietnam policies. The US first denied involvement but it was later found out that they had been plotting his assassination. Diem's death caused both celebration in S.V. but it led to chaos and rebellion against the US, who became more interested in fighting against the communist rebels in South Vietnam. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
The Democratic Republic of Vietnam torpedoed the Maddox, a US Navy destroyer, 28 mi. off the Vietnam coast. The US fought back, and there were no casualties on the American side, but there were a few Vietnamese deaths. It was possibly in response to 2 Vietnamese boats attacked a few days earlier, although US was unaware. In response, a 2nd destroyer, the Turner, was placed in the waters. -
Golf of Tonkin Resolution
congress released a resolution saying that America could fight back if it was to protect the troops in Southeast Asia. Presidents Johnson and Nixon later used this resolution as an excuse for military action. In 1970, congress took back this resolution. Twenty five years later, in 1995, a Vietnamese General came forward and completely denied the attack saying he didn't even remember it. It was also found on tape President Johnson said that he denied the attack even happened. -
Operation Rolling Thunder Begins
Operation Rolling Thunder was a U.S. military operation that was set into action in March, 1965, and ended in late October 1968. It was planned by President Lyndon Johnson and the initial purpose was to bomb North Vietnam’s major cities. The Air Force did this to pressure Ho Chi Minh to stop invading democratic South Vietnam. The campaign’s goal changed to bomb Ho Chi Minh trail. The operation was a critical failure and cost over 900 million dollars and 643 thound tons of bombs were dropped. -
National Teach-in
In 1965 Teachers at Mich U knew it was time to fight agaisnt war. Dr. Gamson made a full day strike called a "moratorium" no academic topics. The Teach-In began at 8 PM. After lectures from teachers a midnight really came, faculty/students split into small groups and discussed the vietnam war. 3 bomb scares occured. Made more kdis go to college. Teach-Ins were also used at other institutions after this, -
The Hippie Era
The hippie movement referred to the bohemian cultured people, known as hippies. Evolving from Beatniks, the hipster was a free-love, anti-institution teenager who live in neighborhoods like Haight Ashbury without making money and heavy drug use, had an eccentric look, favored a fresh variety of "acid" music and art, was against conventional standards, and worshipped exotic religions. They were known to give out flowers and insert them into the muzzles of police weapons, "Flower Power." -
Search and Destroy
This was used by the U.S. troops in V/nam. The troops destroyed any troop they found. The cause of search and destroy was to get the VC to come out of hiding during the war. The reason search and destroy began was because the new advancement of helicopters allowed troops to search out the enemy, destroy them, then get out of the area quickly. The results of the search and destroy missions were many deaths and demolition of crops and homes, weakening the economy, and having a negative impression. -
T.V. and its impact to Vietnam
Vietnam was the first televised war. it had actual battle footage everyday, 24/7. it was open to anybody with a T.V. Everyday, Americans watched troops go into battle and die, while they ate dinner at their kitchen table. A "credibility gap" was established during this time. Most Americans did not trust the Johnson Administration in a media setting. one quote said this, "the Enemy's hopes are bankrupt" and yet people were dying everyday. -
Agent Orange
Agent Orange was a very strong herbicide used during the Vietnam War by the U.S until 1971 in Operation Ranch Hand. The orange stripe on the barrel gave Agent Orange its name . The chemical was used to destroy the forest and rural land where guerrillas fighting against U.S would hide. It was extremely toxic and caused various cancers, birth defect defects, and over 400K deaths. It also resulted in class action lawsuits against manufactures Monsanto and Dow Chemicals by by U.S vets by U.S vets. -
The Use of Drafts, Exemption, and the End of the Drafts
Towards the latter years of the Vietnam War, a lottery was used for deciding the order of those to be selected in fighting the war. Blue plastic capsules that contained birth dates were drawn from a container. If your birthday was the year that was drawn, then that was your lottery number. Some exemptions to the draft included attending college, being a minister, and men with disabilities, some unfair.On January 27, 1973, the Secretary of Defense ended the draft to support voluntary enlistment. -
Napalm
Napalm was a type of biological warfare used in Vietnam. It was a chemical compound that had a sticky consistency and burned everything. It was used in a specific type of bomb and flamethrower, and burned much more vigorously than regular flame. Many stories are told of the terrible toll that napalm took, in which many people burned to death. -
Anti-war protest demonstrations
The SDS oragnized the most impacting protest. 50,000-75,000 people participated in the march. Some marchers broke through the police line in front of the Pentagon and entered the building, about 800 marchers were arrested. The march had a positive affect to those against the war becuase it served as a prototype for the 1968 Democratic Convention and it was parralled by protests in Japan, England, and other countires. -
Tet Offensive (Ended 28 Mar 1968)
The NVA and the VC launched on all out invasion of SV to surprise the SV forces during a stalemate. NV's offensive was quickly put down, but took weeks to repel in many cities. In Saigon, the ancient capital of Vietnam, Communists took control of the U.S. Embassy for 8 hours until U.S. troops recaptured the building. The fighting lasted two more weeks. It took nearly a month regain the city of Hue. The offensive was an American victory, but it proved NV was stronger than originally believed. -
My Lai Massacre
The massacre took place in My Lai, South Vietnam. It was caused by the "C" Company, Americal Division. Over 300 men, women, and children were killed. It was not even known about until 1969, when Paul Meado, a U.S. soldier, was interviewed and admitted to killing innocent human beings while in ML. Their commander and man in charge at the time, William Calley, was sentenced to life in prison. He only served 7 years and was out by '74. He publically apoligized for ML in 2009, 41 years later. -
Battle of Khe Sanh
The battle consisted of a North Vietnamese battle siege that lasted from April to July 1968. The US forces underwent bombardment. They tried to remain confident and keep the self-esteem high. The base was dependent on the air force to deliver supplies as they were forced to withstand the brutal attacks. The base was protected by land mines and trip wires (claymores) that prevented North Vietnamese from invading on the ground, through the jungle like land. -
battle of khe sanh continued
Then, the US launched an air attack that annihilated the North Vietnamese and gradually pushed them farther back. The air attacks proved to be too much and the base was eventually secure for the US at long last. The positives consisted of the US sustaining the attacks from the Japanese. Negatives were that Americans did suffer casualties throughout the time. Overall, the US achieved the goal of maintaining a base in North Vietnam. -
RFK Assassination
Bobby Kennedy was campaigning his presidential primary in Los Angeles. He was shot by Sirhan Sirhan because RFK was pro-Zionism (Jewish homeland). Sirhan Sirhan was pinned down by RFK supporters immediately. RFK died 6/6/68. This and the MLK Jr. assassination upset all hope for Doves and CRM efforts. The Kennedy family feared their lives. This contributed to the chaos of the Democratic party in 1968 with the LBJ w/d and upcoming DNC riots in Chicago. RFK is buried in Arlington Nat'l Cemetery -
Democratic National Convention and Chicago Seven
The purpose of this was to choose a Democratic candidate for the presidential election; Humphrey or McCarthy. Many people came to Chicago, and they wanted to march in the streets along where the convention was being held but the National Guard and the police force stopped them, and a riot began. The police arrested and beat many people. The democratic party lost respect. It ended on the 29th. Seven people were charged to be the cause of these riots like Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin. -
1968 Presidential Election
Republican nominee, former VP Richard Nixon won a tight election over Democratic nominee, VP Hubert Humphrey. The broadly televised election was one of America's most involved elections with a backdrop of the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, and the assassinations of MLK and JFK. LBJ announced shockingly he would not run for president before the election, but instead work in Vietnam. RFK was killed before he had the opportunity to run. New President Richard Nixon promised "peace with honor". -
Vietnamization
Melvin Laird, the United States Secretary of Defense, first used the term Vietnamization to describe the policies of Richard M. Nixon’s administration for the Vietnam War. Many Americans were being killed throughout the war, causing many riots and protests. The United States gradually decreased troops, while training and providing weapons for the South to continue fighting the Northern communists. Although most Americans viewed this negatively, Vietnamization led to a ceasefire agreement. -
Tinker V. Des Moines Court Case
Mary Beth and John Tinker and their friend Christoper Eckhardt wore black armbands with a peace sign on them to protest the Vietnam War. The students were expelled form their school in Des Moines, Iowa. The court decided to let the students return to school because the mbands did not disrupt their learning and they were protected by their rights of free speech. -
Vietnam Music
Vietnam had many interesting music choices playing during this time period. The theme for many of these songs was about freedom and the war. Some of the famous songs and artists during this time period were: Buffalo Springfield, Country Joe and the Fish, 500 Miles, and Fortunate Son. The most famous of all those songs was Fortunate Son because it related to the people in the USA and those fighting over in Vietnam. The songs expressed opinions on war, which were good and bad. -
Woodstock Music Festival (WS)
WS began as a money making venture, by John Roberts, Joel Rosenman, Artie Kornfeld, and Mike Lang, in effort to begin a music studio in New York. Huge names such as The Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones and The Who all performed during the four day concert. WS became the symbol of counterculture and the American Hippie. The event eventually became free and an estimated 500,000 people came to the event over the four days it ran. WS quickly gained recognition throughout the world and became th -
The Kent State Massacre
Occured when the Ohio National Guard (ONG), ordered fire on a large number students who were protesting on campus against the spread of the VWar into Cambodia. The ONG was called to the campus beacuse USA involvment in the VWwar was increasing and dangerous protests and demonstatrations on college campus’s all over the country became more and more common. The massacre globally spread awarness of the negative effects of USA involvement in the VWar. The event wounded nine and killed four. -
Passing of 26th Amendment
Student activism spread to convince gov. to pass a law to lower the voting age requirement using the slogan “old enough to fight, old enough to vote”. Before, the age required to vote was 21, even though a teen could join the fight in Vietnam at 18. The amendment helped 18 year olds, who felt being able to vote was constant with their other rights that they had. The new voters influenced the presidential election because Nixon was reelected and the democrats d/n win which was predicted by many. -
Release of Pentagon Papers
Daniel Ellsberg believed there was a consensus in the Defense and State Departments that the U.S. had no real of victory in Vietnam, but wouldn't say it publicly. Portions of the Pentagon Papers were published in the New York Times. Gov't tried to stop this release. This was the first attempt in American history by the fed. gov't to restrain publication of a newspaper. The release led to the downfall of the president and prison for some of his administration. Americans lost trust in the gov't. -
Use of Ho Chi Minh Trail
The North Vietnamese needed a way to get into the South so they expanded the Ho Chi Minh Trails. These Trails began being made in WW2 and expanded into the summer of 1971 during the war in Vietnam. They were made to transport troops and supplies into the South. The Trails were important b/c they were difficult for Americans to intercept. Consequently, they gave the North a useful advantage tactic. The Tails served as a strong negative impact against the Americans to compete with. -
Treaty to End War in Vietnam
The U.S. end a bombing campaign and South Vietnam agrees to let North Vietnamese troops stay in South Vietnam. The U.S. begins to remove troops from Vietnam and they agree to a Prisoner-of-War exchange with North Vietnam. This was good because it ends 8 years of American conflict, but it also meant that South Vietnam is more vulnerable than ever -
War Powers Act (Pt.1)
Stated that only the president could call the military to action if Congress authorized it or if the United States was under attack. Limited the president’s ability to engage U.S. Military forces. 3 limits= (1) declaration of war, (2) specific statutory authorization, or (3) a national emergency (ex. attack upon the United States) If any of these acts happen the president has full authority to engage military forces. The president has a maximum of 90 days of fighting, with an extra 30 days. -
War Powers Act (Pt.2)
Poppa Bush was the first/only president to use the War Powers Act. Used it for the Persian Golf War. Was response to Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, where LBJ was granted unlimited powers. Positive thing= showed society that the president didn’t have all the power. It showed that the economy was more balanced. Negatives= many people felt that the president should be in charge and be able to call on military troops whenever he wants. -
Fall of South Vietnam
The peace agreement between North and South Vietnam is broken. North vietnam invades South Vietnam. President Nixon had promised to aid South Vietnam, but he could not provide the aid because the Watergate Scandal forced him to resign. His replacement, Gerald Ford, asked for funds to aid South Vietnam, but Congress refused. Saigon, the Capital of South Vietnam, falls on April 30th. Saigon is then renamed Ho Chi Minh City -
Jimmy Carter Pardons Draft Dodgers
Jimmy Carter filled a promise by giving pardons to thousands who evaded the draft during the War by leaving the country or by failing to register. About 100,000 Americans went to different countries in the late 60s and early 70s to avoid serving in the war. About 90% went to Canada where they were accepted as legal immigrants. Others went into hiding in the country, most changed their identities. Carter's pardon generated lots of criticism, especially from the veterans' group. -
Vietnam Memorial (VM)
The VM was dedicated in 1982. The VM is usually referred to as “The Wall.” The monument was designed by 20 year old Maya Ying Lin from Yale University. She got her idea from an earlier project at school. It’s shaped as 2 triangles with 1 point pointing to the Lincoln Memorial and the other pointing to the Washington Memorial. In the walls of “The Wall” 58,000 names carved in and the names with a cross symbolizes that that person is missing and if the cross is circled their bodies were identified -
Vietnam Memorial (VM) Part II
If the names have a diamond by them that person was killed during the war. The VM is built out of black Granite stone. People could see themselves in the stone symbolizing it could have been them in the war. People would bring charcoal or a pencil with some paper so they could sketch the carved names on the paper. Many people also disliked that The Wall did not have an American Flag at first. -
Vietnam Movies in The 1980's (part 1)
Americans were still hypersensitive to the Vietnam War; however these three movies Platoon, Born on the 4th of July and Good Morning Vietnam were a more accurate testimony of the controversial war Movies in the 1980’s portrayed the real aspects of the Vietnam war. Sometimes people didn’t want to see these horrible aspects that sometimes civilians overlooked. Movies like Platoon starring Charlie Sheen and Johnny Depp portrayed Vietnam how it was. -
Vietnam Movie in The 1980's (part 2)
They weren’t afraid to show the truth on the big screen. Other movies of the 80’s about Vietnam were Born on the 4th of July, and In Country. These movies starred Tom Cruise and Robin Williams. These movies also helped people realize how wrong they were to not support the troops when they came back. People felt badly for how they acted, that is why these movies and their impact was so important.They especially felt bad for the war they dishonored the troops once them came back to the U.S.
