vietnam war: “americanizing the war” focus question: what were the causes and effects of...
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Vietnam War: “Americanizing the War”Focus Question:What were the causes and effects of America’s growing involvement in the Vietnam War?
American Strategies-1965
Increase military presence in Vietnam and increasethe fighting
“Americanize the War”
General William Westmoreland
American Strategy
In addition to conventional weapons the U.S. will utilize chemical warfare:
NapalmAgent Orange
American Strategy
In addition to airstrikes:American troops landed in Vietnam March 8, 1965
Guarded bases-ex. Da Nang
Search and destroy to kill enemy guerillas-VC
Vietcong Doctrine: A Determined Enemy
Supplied with weapons, food, and fighters along the Ho Chi Minh Trail
Ho Chi Minh compared his troops to a tiger
Traveled light carrying a Rifle and some rice
Dug tunnels during the dayAttacked at night
**Wear down the enemy**
American Results
Did: disrupt industry and slow supplies, but not enough to divide Vietminh & Vietcong
Did Not:Cause the North Vietnamese to surrender or lose morale
The war escalates
By 1968: escalation of troops500,000 soldiers30,000 deathsAmerica’s Mission: to help South Vietnam build a stable government and win the hearts and minds of its citizens
However, many Americans question who is our enemy?
Defeating the Enemy
Vietcong and NVA avoided significant engagements
Fought smaller battlesSmall unit abilitiesHad knowledge of the land
Battlefield Conditions
Neutral CoverEnemy clad in black pajamasFighting at nightNot knowing your enemy
Effect on the Economy
Enormous cost of fighting the war
Government:Raised taxes Cut back on Great Society programs
Anti-War Movement BeginsAfter Tonkin Gulf—Congress split on escalation of war by 1967
Hawks: mostly conservative Believed in containment policy Accepted rising troop rates, rising costs and rising battlefield deaths
Crucial front in the Cold War