The Cold War: Domino Theory and Containment

Korea and Vietnam

The Domino Theory: Asia1949: Communists take over China.

Most populated country in the world had gone Communist.Led by Mao Zedong

KoreaAfter WWII Korea was divided at the 38th Parallel.

North – Russian controlledSouth – US Controlled1948 – occupying forces withdrew.

Korean WarBoth sides wanted reunification – but under whose rule?1950 – North Korea army poured across 38th Parallel to force reunification.

Korean War: UN Military Action16 nations – including the US – came to defend South Korea from North Korea.

80% of troops were American.

Waging the Korean WarGeneral Douglas MacArthur led the offense against North Korea

Backed by Soviet and Chinese weapons and soldiers.

MacArthur goes too farTo push the North Koreans back behind the 38th Parallel, destroy the Communists in North Korea, or attack China?MacArthur wanted the second front in China.

MacArthur Goes too FarPresident Truman said NO to invading China.MacArthur tried to go behind the Commander in Chief’s back (Truman) and get Congressional support.Truman FIRED MacArthur for insubordination.

1951.

Korean WarTruman spent his presidency keeping the war contained to Korea.President Eisenhower used the threat of a nuclear attack to get the North Koreans to return behind the 38th Parallel.

Effects of the Korean War34,000 Americans dead in three years (1950 – 1953)Containment had workedBut North Korea was and still is Communist.

The 38th Parallel in 2013Most US troops are stationed in the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) at the 38th parallel.Kim Jong-un is the current leader of North Korea.Has nuclear bombs and is preparing for long-range launching.

The Domino Theory: Vietnam1954 - 1975

2000 years Vietnam has resisted being absorbed into China.1800s Vietnam became a colony for France.WWII:

Fought for independence from Japan

Ho Chi MinhCommunist Vietnamese.Fought for independence before, during and after WII.Leader of a group called the VIETMINH.

Defeated the French in 1954.

1954 Peace Treaty over VietnamDivided Vietnam.North Vietnam – Communist under Ho Chi MinhSouth Vietnam – Supposed to be capitalist and democratic.

The Communist Advances in Vietnam

VietCongCommunist guerrillas in South VietnamGained more control of territoryMore popular with the people.

Aided by Ho Chi Minh

Johnson Commits to ContainmentAmerican Advantages

Superior arms and supplies

VietCong AdvantagesFamiliar with the terrain of jungles and swampsFound protection across the border in Laos and CambodiaLocal population support

Conditions of Viet NamMany South Vietnamese did not welcome US help.

Keeping an unpopular government in place.US troops couldn’t tell who was the enemy.

The Ground War in VietnamVietCong used guerrilla war tactics.The Tunnel System used by the VietCongBooby traps, land mines, grenades, trip wires

The Air War in VietnamAgent Orange

Herbicide meant to deforest the jungle and show VietCong hiding spots.Killed crops, livestock and health effects for humans

The Air War in VietnamNapalm

Jellylike substance that splattered and burned uncontrollably.

Massacre at My LaiAmerica atrocity in VietnamRumors that the VietCong were being hidden in the village of My LaiUS troops killed 400 Vietnamese

Political Divisions in Vietnam: Student Led ProtestsSDS: Students for a

Democratic SocietyFree Speech MovementThe Teach-In MovementDraft Resistence

Draft Resistance or Draft DodgerDraft for those from 18 – 26.CO: Conscientious ObjectorOther methods to be found “unsuitable” for military serviceDeferment:

College

Election of 1968Republicans – Richard M. NixonAmerican Independents – George WallaceDemocrats - ?????

The Democratic ConventionRobert Kennedy

assassinated

Eugene McCarthyThought too far left

Vice President Hubert Humphrey

Defended Johnson’s policiesHumphrey won

Nixon’s Vietnam PolicyNixon beat Humphrey in the presidential election of 1968. Promised a “secret” plan to end the war if elected.Pulled back on bombing of North Vietnam and peace talks in Paris.1972 – only 24,000 troops remained in South Vietnam

Kent State and Jackson StateKent State, Ohio 1970Anti-War Protestors vandalized buildings and burned down an ROTC buildingGovernor ordered National Guard out to restore order

Kent State Someone (National Guard?) fired on the protestors.

4 dead

Jackson State, Mississippi left 2 dead and 11 injured.

Deep DivisionsAttacks horrified Americans.But some favored the president.

100,000 construction workers marched in NYC in support of President Nixon

1973 Paris Peace Agreement ending US involvement in Vietnam

1. US would withdraw all forces from South Vietnam in 60 daysAll prisoners of war would be releasedN. Vietnam and US would end end activities in Laos and Cambodia17th Parallel would continue to divide Vietnam in two.

Aftermath of the WarWar continued for two more years after US withdrawal.April 29, 1975 US evacuates last remaining Americans. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcQoQDkhbYw

1,000 Americans6,000 VietnameseApril 30 – Communists take over.

Communist Domino EffectVietnam fell to the CommunistsLaos fellCambodia fell

Atrocities were committed by the Communists

Legacy of Vietnam:58,000 Americans dead300,000 wounded2,500 POWS (Prisoners of War) and MIAs (Missing in Action)No “welcome home” parades or treatment as heroes.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial1982: Created by Maya Lin.