1945-1974

Vietnam has been fighting for its independence since 208 B.C.

1862-Asked Lincoln for help against the French

1918-Asked Wilson for help against French

1940-Vietnam fell to the Japanese during WWII

Born in 1890 Was looking for a way

to unite the country• Became a member of

the communist party• Ho was a nationalist!

1913-came to US worked in Boston, NY, San Fran 1919-Helps the US as

OSS Agent 1924-met w/Stalin 1941-changed name

to Ho Chi Minh• He who enlightens

He created a movement called the Vietminh• The people of Vietnam need to expel

foreigners and govern themselves. Spoke English, Russian, 3 dialects of

Chinese, French, Vietnamese

Ho formed the Vietminh to fight the Japanese during WWII.

After the war, Potsdam split Vietnam @ 17th parallel• North-Chinese• South-British

Post WWII-Ho turned to Truman for help. Why?• Truman Doctrine!!!

Sept. 2, 1945- ½ million came to listen to Ho• “We hold these truths to

be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

American officers joined in parades w/ Vietnamese officers

Played Star-Spangled Banner

US war planes flew over the parade

Ho sent 8 letters asking for American help…

1949-Asia became important• France was an ally

during the war (NATO)• Anti-communist FoPo

Stay consistent-Korea, Eastern Europe

USSR Detonates the A-bomb

1st American killed-Sept. 1945• Ho sent apology in

letter

June 27, 1950 US gave 3 billion +

300 Advisors to South Vietnam

President of SV was Buddhist Monk (Bao Dai)

Any member of a small defensive force of irregular soldiers, usually volunteers, making raids against the enemy behind its lines.• What tactics did

they use to fight?

Sharp Bamboo sticks that are often covered with poison, manure, and other things that will cause infection/death.

Small explosive devices laid under the ground. Usually triggered by stepping on a switch/tripwire!• Shrapnel• Nails• Explosive Force

Tunnels were dug all over North/South Vietnam.

Vietnamese had to stay hidden or be attacked by air.