U.S. gross domestic product by year reveals that the war boosted the economy out of a recession caused by the end of the Korean War in 1953. Spending on the Vietnam War played a small part in causing the Great Inflation that began in 1965. 29 But so did spending on the War on Poverty and other LBJ social programs.
Full Answer
Why did the US get involved in the Vietnam War?
The US entered the Vietnam War in an attempt to prevent the spread of communism, but foreign policy, economic interests, national fears, and geopolitical strategies also played major roles. Learn why a country which had been barely known to most Americans came to define an era.
What were the results of the Vietnam War?
The PAVN/NLF attacks were speedily and bloodily repulsed in virtually all areas except Saigon, where the fighting lasted for three days, and in the old imperial capital of Huế, where it continued for a month. During the occupation of the historic city, 2,800 South Vietnamese were murdered by the NLF in the single worst massacre of the conflict.
What was the purpose of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam?
On February 8, 1962, the Kennedy administration formed the Military Assistance Command Vietnam, a military operation intended to accelerate the program of giving military aid to the South Vietnamese government.
What was America's role in the Vietnam War in 1963?
As 1963 progressed, the issue of Vietnam became more prominent in America. The role of American advisers increased and by late 1963, there were more than 16,000 Americans on the ground advising South Vietnamese troops. 1
What was the outcome of the Vietnam War for the US?
From 1968 to 1973, efforts were made to end the conflict through diplomacy. In January 1973, an agreement was reached; U.S. forces were withdrawn from Vietnam, and U.S. prisoners of war were released. In April 1975, South Vietnam surrendered to the North, and Vietnam was reunited. 1.
What did the US want from Vietnam?
The USA was afraid that communism would spread to South Vietnam and then the rest of Asia. It decided to send money, supplies and military advisers to help the South Vietnamese Government.
Was the Vietnam War a success for the US?
Lyndon Johnson ordered the first real combat by American troops, and Richard Nixon concluded the war. Despite the decades of resolve, billions and billions of dollars, nearly 60,000 American lives and many more injuries, the United States failed to achieve its objectives.
What was the impact of the Vietnam War on Vietnam?
The most immediate effect of the Vietnam War was the staggering death toll. The war killed an estimated 2 million Vietnamese civilians, 1.1 million North Vietnamese troops and 200,000 South Vietnamese troops. During the air war, America dropped 8 million tons of bombs between 1965 and 1973.
Why was the Vietnam War important?
It was the first war to come into American living rooms nightly, and the only conflict that ended in defeat for American arms. The war caused turmoil on the home front, as anti-war protests became a feature of American life. Americans divided into two camps--pro-war hawks and anti-war doves.
Why did US join Vietnam War?
The U.S. entered the Vietnam War in an attempt to prevent the spread of communism, but foreign policy, economic interests, national fears, and geopolitical strategies also played major roles. Learn why a country that had been barely known to most Americans came to define an era.
How did Vietnam improve after the war?
Since 1986, Vietnam has progressed in a similar fashion to China, its economic policies becoming increasingly capitalist and market-oriented, though tempered by socialist controls. In 1989 Hanoi withdrew its troops from Cambodia, which allowed it to reenter the international fold.
How did the Vietnam War impact the United States culturally?
This new pop culture sensibility embraced a provocative anti-authoritarianism that offered a clean break from the sunny optimism of most films and music in the 1950s and early 1960s. The war sparked an era of distrust, paranoia and cynicism among musicians, filmmakers, novelists and comedians.
How did the Vietnam War Impact Great Society programs?
Anti-war Democrats complained that spending on the Vietnam War choked off the Great Society. While some of the programs have been eliminated or had their funding reduced, many of them, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Older Americans Act and federal education funding, continue to the present.
Why was the end of the Vietnam War important?
The peace settlement enabled the United States to withdraw from the war and welcome the American prisoners of war back home. Neither of the Vietnamese parties abided by the settlement, however, and the war continued.
What was the purpose of the military assistance command in Vietnam?
On February 8, 1962, the Kennedy administration formed the Military Assistance Command Vietnam, a military operation intended to accelerate the program of giving military aid to the South Vietnamese government. As 1963 progressed, the issue of Vietnam became more prominent in America.
How many American troops were in Vietnam in 1965?
The escalation continued throughout 1965, and by the end of that year, 184,000 American troops were in Vietnam. In 1966, the troop totals rose again to 385,000. By the end of 1967, American troop totals peaked in Vietnam at 490,000. 2 . Throughout the late 1960s, the mood in America transformed.
How many Americans died in Vietnam?
After decades of conflict, more than 2.7 million Americans served in Vietnam and an estimated 47,424 lost their lives; and still, the reasons why the U.S. entered the Vietnam War to begin with remain controversial. 3 . Kallie Szczepanski contributed to this article.
What was the result of the French withdrawal from Indochina?
Following the French withdrawal from Indochina, the solution put in place established a communist government in North Vietnam and a democratic government in South Vietnam.
What was Kennedy's foreign policy?
The Kennedy foreign policy was rooted, of course, in the Cold War, and the increase of American advisers reflected Kennedy’s rhetoric of standing up to communism wherever it might be found.
What was the American pride during the Nixon administration?
American Pride. During the administration of Richard M. Nixon, the levels of combat troops were reduced from 1969 onward. But there was still considerable support for the war, and Nixon had campaigned in 1968 pledging to bring an "honorable end" to the war.
Why did Nixon announce the invasion of Cambodia?
In a TV speech to the Nation from the White House, President Nixon announced that several thousand American ground troops entered Cambodia to wipe out Communist headquarters for all military operations against South Vietnam. The President is shown here standing before a map of Cambodia.
When did the US deploy troops to Vietnam?
On March 8, 1965, 3,500 United States Marines came ashore at Da Nang as the first wave of U.S. combat troops into South Vietnam, adding to the 25,000 U.S. military advisers already in place. The US Government deployment of ground forces to Da Nang had not been consulted with the South Vietnamese government.
How many troops did President Johnson send to Vietnam?
July 28, 1965 — In a nationally televised speech, President Johnson announced his decision to send an additional 50,000 American troops to South Vietnam, increasing the number of personnel there by two-thirds and to bring the commitment to 125,000.
What did Truman announce after the Korean War?
Following the outbreak of the Korean War, Truman announces "acceleration in the furnishing of military assistance to the forces of France and the Associated States in Indochina...". and sends 123 non-combat troops to help with supplies to fight against the communist Viet Minh.
What was Kennedy's idea of creating a neutral Laos?
The idea of creating a neutral Laos is suggested to Kennedy. May 1961 — Kennedy sends 400 United States Army Special Forces personnel to South Vietnam to train South Vietnamese soldiers following a visit to the country by Vice-President Johnson. June 1961 — Kennedy meets with Khrushchev in Vienna.
How many military advisers did Kennedy send to Vietnam?
In May 1961, Kennedy sent 500 more military advisers, bringing American forces there to 1,400. With the budget increased and with American boot on the ground in Vietnam by at least 1961, these actions came to be questioned by other segments of the U.S. government and among the people of the United States.
Why did heroin use spike in Vietnam?
Troops used heroin and other drugs to pass time, deal with the mental stresses of combat, boredom, and feelings of hopelessness.
When did China and the French agree to return to Vietnam?
In exchange, China agrees to assist the French in returning to Vietnam north of the 17th parallel. March 6, 1946 — After negotiations with the Chinese and the Viet Minh, the French sign an agreement recognizing Vietnam within the French Union.
Why did Vietnam gain independence?
Reason one - Vietnamese independence. Before World War Two Vietnam had been part of the French Empire. During World War Two it had been invaded by Japan. Ho Chi Minh was the leader of the Vietminh, a resistance army which fought for Vietnamese independence. After World War Two Ho Chi Minh captured Hanoi in 1945 and declared Vietnam independent.
Why did the South support Ho Chi Minh?
Many of the South Vietnamese people supported Ho Chi Minh as they were unhappy with Ngo Dinh Diem. War broke out between the North and South. From 1958 onwards, the South came under increasing attacks from communists in South Vietnam itself. They were called the National Liberation Front (NLF).
What was the North Vietnam?
North Vietnam was a communist republic led by Ho Chi Minh. South Vietnam was a capitalist republic led by Ngo Dinh Diem.
When did Vietnam become independent?
After World War Two Ho Chi Minh captured Hanoi in 1945 and declared Vietnam independent. The French tried to take control again, but this was unpopular with the people. They were defeated by the Vietminh at Dien Bien Phu in 1954.
What happened to the US Navy in the Gulf of Tonkin?
The North Vietnamese attacked the US Navy in the Gulf of Tonkin. This incident gave the USA the excuse it needed to escalate the war. Gulf of Tonkin Resolution - US Congress gave President Lyndon Johnson permission to wage war on North Vietnam. The first major contingent of US Marines arrived in 1965.
Who was the President of Vietnam in 1963?
In 1963, President John F Kennedy sent 16,000 military ‘advisers’ to help the South Vietnamese army. Diem’s Government was overthrown. After this, there was no strong capitalist government in control of the South.
How much did the Vietnam War cost?
Basing on the current dollar value, the Vietnam War cost the equivalent of about $1 trillion.
Why are Vietnam vets so expensive?
Vietnam veteran costs are higher than other wars for three reasons. First, they are the first vets diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 21 Called "shell-shock" in earlier wars, PTSD was recognized as a treatable disorder that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs should pay for.
Why did Nixon start the draft lottery?
Nixon institutes a draft lottery to overcome the perception that wealthier white men are avoiding the draft through deferment. 13 U.S. troops in Vietnam drop to 475,200. Nixon orders the bombing of communist base camps in Cambodia. A recession begins in December. 1970: U.S. troops attack Cambodian base camps.
What is Kimberly's perspective on the Vietnam War?
As a writer for The Balance, Kimberly provides insight on the state of the present-day economy, as well as past events that have had a lasting impact. The Vietnam War was a military campaign launched by North Vietnam against South Vietnam. The Vietnamese civil war began in 1959.
Which country split Vietnam in half?
The 17th Parallel split Vietnam in half. Ho Chi Minh, backed by China and Russia, took the northern territory. A democracy, backed by the United States, took the southern territory. As a result, North Vietnam became communist and South Vietnam based its economy on capitalism.
When did the 17th parallel split Vietnam?
In September 1945, the winners of World War II decided to divide Vietnam instead of unifying it. They believed Vietnam did not have the experience to rule itself. France had ruled it since 1887, and Japan had ruled the country since 1940. The 17th Parallel split Vietnam in half.
Which countries supported the South?
The United States supported the South, while China and Russia supported the North. In 1965, the United States officially entered the war in response to North Vietnam's attack on a U.S. military ship. U.S involvement ended in 1973.
What was the Vietnam War?
The Vietnam War was a long, costly and divisive conflict that pitted the communist government of North Vietnam against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. The conflict was intensified by the ongoing Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. More than 3 million people (including ...
When did the US send troops to Vietnam?
In March 1965 , Johnson made the decision—with solid support from the American public—to send U.S. combat forces into battle in Vietnam. By June, 82,000 combat troops were stationed in Vietnam, and military leaders were calling for 175,000 more by the end of 1965 to shore up the struggling South Vietnamese army.
What was the name of the group that led the Vietnamese during World War II?
During World War II, Japanese forces invaded Vietnam. To fight off both Japanese occupiers and the French colonial administration, political leader Ho Chi Minh —inspired by Chinese and Soviet communism —formed the Viet Minh, or the League for the Independence of Vietnam.
How many Americans died in Vietnam in 1967?
By November 1967, the number of American troops in Vietnam was approaching 500,000, and U.S. casualties had reached 15,058 killed and 109,527 wounded. As the war stretched on, some soldiers came to mistrust the government’s reasons for keeping them there, as well as Washington’s repeated claims that the war was being won.
What happened after Ho's communist forces took power in the North?
After Ho’s communist forces took power in the north, armed conflict between northern and southern armies continued until the northern Viet Minh’s decisive victory in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in May 1954. The French loss at the battle ended almost a century of French colonial rule in Indochina.
How did Nixon deflate the anti-war movement?
Nixon sought to deflate the anti-war movement by appealing to a “silent majority” of Americans who he believed supported the war effort. In an attempt to limit the volume of American casualties, he announced a program called Vietnamization: withdrawing U.S. troops, increasing aerial and artillery bombardment and giving the South Vietnamese the training and weapons needed to effectively control the ground war.
How many troops did President Johnson send to the war?
Despite the concerns of some of his advisers about this escalation, and about the entire war effort amid a growing anti-war movement, Johnson authorized the immediate dispatch of 100,000 troops at the end of July 1965 and another 100,000 in 1966.
Why did America give up on the Vietnam War?
U.S. leaders decided that any benefit of further contribution to Vietnam was outweighed by costs in material, in national dissensus and in international reputation . Here's What You Need to Know : Washington was not willing to pay the high costs.
When did the US decide to contribute to Vietnam?
In 1972 , American political leadership made the overdue decision that any benefit of further contribution to Vietnam was outweighed by costs in material, in national dissensus and in international reputation.
What were the advantages of Hanoi over Saigon?
The Hanoi government enjoyed several major advantages over its Saigon counterpart, even after the disaster of 1968. Hanoi’s repressive state machinery allowed it to clamp down on internal dissent, and destroy prospective domestic opponents in a way that Saigon could not.
What was the South Vietnam capable of?
With U.S. collaboration, South Vietnam was capable of blunting and turning back even concerted North Vietnamese offensives.
What was the purpose of the Trans Pacific Partnership?
This government was also at the forefront of the now-defunct Trans-Pacific Partnership, an effort to bring U.S. economic rules to the Asia Pacific. The human tragedy of the destruction of the Republic of Vietnam should never be minimized, but the strategic significance of its loss was, in the long run, trivial.
Why was the U.S. commitment to Europe, North Asia and the Middle East important?
commitment to Europe, North Asia and the Middle East was vastly more important to the struggle against the Soviet Union than continued fighting in Southeast Asia. Continuing the war would have incurred other costs.
Was the Saigon government democratic?
In contrast to contemporary depictions, the Saigon government was altogether more democratic and less repressive than its counterpart in Hanoi. Finally, the war was not nearly as unpopular in the United States as historical memory serves to indicate. 1,859.
What happened to the Vietnamese after Japan's defeat?
After Japan’s defeat, the Vietnamese sought independence. The US, with UK now its junior partner, having lost its empire to the US from WWII, dispatched about 15,000 British troops and thousands of Imperial Japan army mercenaries to crush the Vietnamese independence movement. It failed.
Which countries gained a united country free of French and American domination in the 19th, 20th and 21s
In the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries it seems the “looser” accumulated benefits after the wars they lost: Germany, Japan and Vietnam while the “winners” paid the cost of the benefits to the looser country. The Vietnamese gained a united country free of French and American domination.
Why did France set up shop in Indochina?
France set up shop in Indochina in the 19th century to harvest rubber and tin. This subjected Vietnam and neighbouring countries, who had never seen or heard of Europe, to French colonial rule. Ho Chi Minh was one of the first Vietnamese to travel to Paris.
Will Vietnam look to them for further benefits?
In a socio-political view, America took a huge leap forward in political activism and social reorganization which might have been many years away but for the war. (this should be enough to get you started on your school paper) Quora User. , Former Army Cadet.
Did the American people watch the bodies being unloaded from transport aircraft?
This process went on for years and the American people didn’t have the stomach to watch TV coverage of bodies being unloaded from transport aircraft, month after month. The Viet Cong (insurrection army) were directly supported, trained, and equipped by North Vietnam.
Can we win a war against an insurrection?
A war against an insurrection force is difficult, if not impossible, to win — especially when using tactics that were developed for conventional warfare (like we were using in Vietnam). During the conflict, our military would successfully take territory, but we couldn’t keep it. Our forces were spread far too thin.
Did North Vietnam become a communist country?
North Vietnam managed to unite with South Vietnam to become a sole communist nation, while Russia/the Soviet Union had another ally (Vietnam) and a nation (South Vietnam) fell to communism. The U.S. and South Vietnam didn’t benefit from it. 659 views.
The Domino Theory
Political Reasons: Anti-Communist Fervor
French Indochina War
Military Assistance Command Vietnam
The Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Reasons For Escalation
American Pride
- During the administration of Richard M. Nixon, the levels of combat troops were reduced from 1969 onward. But there was still considerable support for the war, and Nixon had campaigned in 1968 pledging to bring an "honorable end" to the war. The sentiment, especially among conservative voices in America, was that the sacrifice of so many killed and...
Additional References
Overview
Vietnamization, 1969–73
Richard Nixon had campaigned in the 1968 presidential election under the slogan that he would end the war in Vietnam and bring "peace with honor". However, there was no plan to do this, and the American commitment continued for another five years. The goal of the American military effort was to buy time, gradually building up the strength of the South Vietnamese armed forces, and …
Timeline
Under the Kennedy Administration
Americanization
Morale and drug usage
See also
External links