Vietnam War Overview

Overview of Proxy Wars

• Proxy wars involve opposing powers using third parties to fight on their behalf.
• The Vietnam War (1954-1975) and the Syrian conflict exemplify this military strategy.

Involvement in the Vietnam War

• The Soviet Union and China supported communist North Vietnam.
• The United States provided military and economic assistance to South Vietnam.

Key Events in the Vietnam War

• In 1963, the South Vietnamese faced a significant defeat in Ap Bac against the North Vietnamese Viet Cong.
• The assassination of South Vietnamese leader President Ngo Dinh Diem occurred following this defeat.
• The Gulf of Tonkin incident led to Congress passing the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

• This resolution authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to use all necessary means against North Vietnam.
• Essentially granted Johnson a "blank check" to escalate military involvement.

Escalation of U.S. Involvement

• The U.S. increased troop presence after Operation Rolling Thunder, a bombing campaign initiated in 1965.
• Ground troops, specifically Marines, landed at Danang, marking the official start of the American ground war in Vietnam.

Public Opinion and the Tet Offensive

• American opposition to the war surged following the 1968 Tet Offensive, a surprise attack by North Vietnamese forces broadcasted on television.
• Graphic images contributed to growing anti-war sentiment in the United States.

Conclusion of the Vietnam War

• A peace agreement was signed on January 27, 1973.
• American forces withdrew from Vietnam in March 1973.
• Following U.S. withdrawal, North Vietnam invaded South Vietnam, leading to the establishment of a communist regime.