The+Path+to+Vietnam

VIETNAM CAUSES The United States primarily became involved in Vietnam in order to prevent the Domino Theory from occurring. Communism was spreading at a rapid pace and the United States through the Truman Doctrine had stated to do “whatever it takes,” to ensure the spread of Communism was stopped. Under French rule and eventually Japanese joint control in World War II, the Vietnam natives suffered immensely. They were restricted from selling and harvesting much of Vietnam’s resources. Most were forced into positions of labor such as working in mines and rubber plantations, and there, they were forced to work without exception in horrendous conditions. The natives were severely malnourished and lived in the state of poverty. Then in 1945, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam an independent country and one free of imperialism. Despite Ho Chi Minh’s proclamation, with the aid of the British and Chinese the French gained control over Vietnam. At this time the US had an isolationist approach to Vietnam. However in 1945, an immense Viet Minh victory at Dien Bien Phu over the French occurred which set into action meetings for peace. Peace meetings occurred in Geneva. They issued that Vietnam was to be divided at the 38th parallel. This created a divide within the once united country of Vietnam; following the division in 1956, elections were held to elect a South Vietnamese leader. However Ngo Dinh Diem refused this to occur. As a result of what had taken place in Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh’s involvement in the French Communist Party, the United States began to fear of continued spread of Communism, which was posing an imminent threat. The Eisenhower administration supplied financial assistance to advisors in South Vietnam, in hopes of eliminating a Northern Vietnam takeover. Furthermore through the SEATO treaty the US was responsible for aiding nations if they were threatened by communism. Following this, in August of 1964, President Johnson alerted the US that American ships had been sabotaged by North Vietnam boats located in the international waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. As a result Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution granting the President the ability to use whatever force essential in protecting America’s interests within the Vietnam area. Due to the threat of the Domino Theory and the inciting actions of the North Vietnamese, the US sent its first Marine shipments in 1965, and Operation Rolling Thunder was formed providing the Republic of Vietnam an Air Force.