America goes to War L/O • To compare two sources giving reasons for US escalation in Vietnam • To analyse US military escalation and give reasons for the launch of Rolling Thunder. •
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwMPZR3sS2o
Connection • Check that timeline of military action has been completed. • Overview….. • What are we doing in Vietnam? (12 mark question)
Source A - Comments made by Lyndon Johnson to his advisor Mcgeoorge Bundy, 1964. • “It just worries the hell out of me. I just don’t see what we can ever hope to get out of Vietnam with, once we’re committed. I believe that the Chinese communists are coming into it. I don’t think we can fight them ten thousand miles from home. I don’t think it’w worth fighting for and I don’t think we can get out. Its just the biggest darned mess I ever saw”
Source B - The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution 1964 • The United States is assisting the people of Southeast Asia to protect their freedom and has no territorial ambitions in that area. The congress approves and supports the determination of the president as commander in chief to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the United States and to prevent further aggression.
• “How far do the sources in source B differ from those in source A in relation to President Johnsons’s willingness to commit the USA to the use of military force in Vietnam”
Activation • Read William Fullbrights article on the arrogance of power. Record in your own words what Fullbright considers to be he major issues facing US policy in Vietnam. • What do you notice about Fullbright’s attitude towards Vietnam? • Highlight the key problems facing the United States in the early part of the War – Highlight the difficulties they immediately face. • This will show to you why America switched to the bombing of the north in an effort to win the war.
Johnson and the Escalation of War • Now, read Johnson and the escalation of war.
• Explain why president Johnson began the bombing of North Vietnam. (12 marks) • Rolling Thunder…. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTxrq_Erw-k • Watch the following and record reasons for the launch of Rolling Thunder • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4coO45OduX8
Bombing Introduction Biggest sustained bombing attack in US history Micro-Managing was part of the policy of gradualism – Hit less imprtant targets to put fear into the North (refer to quotes attacking civillian control of Rolling Thunder) 10,000 trucks destroyed, 76% ammuniton depots, 50% of bridges demolished, 2,000 rail cars) 100-200,000 civillian deaths • Feb 7th 1965 = VC attack on Camp Holloway near Pleiku 9 killed 130 wounded – 2 doxen helicopters destroyed • 12 hours Johnson launced “flaming dart” • Quy Nohn – 23 Americans killed, dozens inujred – “flaimng dart 2” • Americans demanded action – McGeorge Bundy pressurised for a bombing campaign • Improve morale by showing US commitment • US credibility across the globe (Cold War Context) • End passage of supplies down the Ho Chi Minh trail.
General reasons for the bombing campaign • “I’m going up her leg one inch at a time”. Johnson did not declare war or go “all out” because of the expense of a War, and fears of Chinese intervention; “ No sir, I don’t want to fight them!” • March 1965 – General Westmoreland calls for US Marines to defend the base at Da Nang.This was the TRIGGER. • March 8th 1965 – 3,5000 American troops arrive at Da nang. • May 1965 – Congress grant $700million for military operations. The House of Representatives voted 408-7 in fsvour/the Senate 88-3. This needs to be remembered! Even some of the press (like David Halberstam of the new York times) was a hawk at this time, yet became anti-war. There was support for a war – this is often forgotten when people declare that it was “Johnsons War” • Incompetent Saigon government – In Feb 1965, General Kanh was overthrown. The next government was a civilian one, yet only lasted until June 65. General Thieu became head of state; Marshal Ky became PM (“The bottom of the barrel) according to one of Johnsons advisor.Ky drank, gambled and was a womaniser. He said that Vietnam needed “men like Hitler”. He was corrupt and unpopular. • 28 July 1965 – Johnson announces an increase of 50,000 more troops into Vietnam. This would now stand at 125,000 troops. Congress accepted this the day before.
Complete for homework. • Explain why the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was signed (12 marks) – revision task – Use notes and previous lesson work sheets.
• Explain why president Johnson began the bombing of North Vietnam. (12 marks)