Vietnam+Path

Ho Chi Minh and the communists controlled North Vietnam

Ngo Dinh Diem and the capitalists controlled South Vietnam. Vietnam was originally ruled by France until WWII. Three communist groups formed and merged to create the Indochinese Communist Party. Ho Chi Minh was the leader of the ICP, which called for self-government. During WWII, Japan took over Vietnam. The ICP then united with other nationalists, to become the Viet Minh. After WWII, France wanted control of Vietnam again. War between the French and Viet Minh broke out. France asked the US for help, and they agreed to assist the French. This was because the help of France was needed in the opposition of the USSR and because the US wanted to stop communism from spreading.

In 1950, Truman gave the French $10 million to help fight against the Viet Minh. the USA had entered the war. Eisenhower also gave money to the French. They felt that if Communism took over in Vietnam, all of Southeast Asia would become red as well (domino theory). A peace treaty was organized, and Vietnam was split into north and South along the 17th parallel. Ho Chi Minh and the communists controlled North Vietnam, while Ngo Dinh Diem and the capitalists controlled South Vietnam. Many in south Vietnam opposed Diem. Eisenhower sent over advisers to assist Diem. Still, more and more people opposed him, until South Vietnamese Communists, the Viet Cong, was formed. Due to the fear of Communism spreading, Kennedy sent over money and military advisers to south Vietnam. Americans officials told Diem to change his ways, but he was stubborn. Supported by the US, Diem was overthrown by a military coup. he was also killed.

When Lyndon Johnson took office, there was hysteria in South Vietnam. In order to prevent it from falling to communism, Americans wanted to bomb North Vietnam: Operation Rolling Thunder. Two US ships were apparently sunk by North Vietnamese forces in the Gulf of Tonkin. Johnson asked Congress to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which would allow him to exercise his military power in Vietnam. His request was accepted. In March 1965, North Vietnam was bombed and troops were sent over.

4 presidents involved -Truman -Eisenhower -Kennedy -Lyndon B. Johnson