Podcast
Questions and Answers
What motivated President Johnson to continue Kennedy's policies toward Vietnam?
What motivated President Johnson to continue Kennedy's policies toward Vietnam?
President Johnson was hesitant to increase US involvement in Vietnam due to public opinion.
President Johnson was hesitant to increase US involvement in Vietnam due to public opinion.
False
Which program was deemed highly unpopular and failing in South Vietnam?
Which program was deemed highly unpopular and failing in South Vietnam?
The Strategic Hamlet Program
In August 1964, the Gulf of _______ incident led to increased US military involvement.
In August 1964, the Gulf of _______ incident led to increased US military involvement.
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What percentage of South Vietnam was controlled by the communists at one point according to Johnson's report?
What percentage of South Vietnam was controlled by the communists at one point according to Johnson's report?
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Match the following events with their significance:
Match the following events with their significance:
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What did Johnson need in order to increase US commitment in Vietnam?
What did Johnson need in order to increase US commitment in Vietnam?
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The North Vietnamese Army (NVA) reduced its efforts in South Vietnam as the US increased its military presence.
The North Vietnamese Army (NVA) reduced its efforts in South Vietnam as the US increased its military presence.
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Study Notes
Johnson's Escalation of the Vietnam Conflict
- Johnson succeeded Kennedy in November 1963
- Johnson continued Kennedy's Vietnam policies due to several factors:
- Respect for Kennedy's memory
- Similar advisors
- Shared belief in anti-communist stance and domino theory
- Political ambition for 1964 elections
Increased US Involvement
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Johnson sent Defense Secretary to assess Vietnam situation in 1964 and found:
- Viet Cong held 30-40% of South Vietnam
- Strategic Hamlet Program unsuccessful
- South Vietnamese forces and government weak and inefficient
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Johnson sought Congressional support to increase US commitment
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Gulf of Tonkin incident (alleged North Vietnamese attack on US ships) provided the pretext
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Congress granted Johnson authority to take "all necessary measures"
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More troops deployed to South Vietnam, reaching 184,000 by June 1965
Results of Escalation
- North Vietnam responded with increased troop deployment to support Viet Cong
- Stalemate emerged: Despite US and ARVN gains, the Viet Cong reclaimed lost ground
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Description
Explore the key decisions made by President Lyndon B. Johnson in escalating U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. This quiz covers his motivations, the Gulf of Tonkin incident, and the consequences of increased troop deployment. Test your knowledge on this critical period in American history.
