vietnam was colony of france, but was invaded by japan during world war ii. after world war ii –...
TRANSCRIPT
The Vietnam War
Background Information Vietnam was colony
of France, but was invaded by Japan during World War II.
After World War II – France wanted it back, but Vietnam would not allow it.
More Background
Ho Chi Minh was the leader of North Vietnam, and he was communist.
Eventually, there was a war between them and the French.
China sent aid Vietnam, and The United States sent aid to France.
The division of Vietnam The French were eventually defeated,
so they withdrew. Vietnam was divided into North and
South Vietnam. North was communist and controlled
by Ho Chi Minh. The South was looking for a leader,
and the United States imposed Ngo Dihn Diem as the leader.
Why was the United States involved?
Containment: Must contain communism from spreading.
Domino Theory: If one country falls, neighboring countries will.
Vietcong/VC/Charlie Guerilla fighters in
South Vietnam that wanted Diem out!
Began gaining control in South Vietnam• Many Buddhists set
themselves on fire to protest Diem.
• The US agreed to a coup to ousts Diem.
How was this war different than others?
Fighting in Jungles against Guerilla fighters.
We were looking for Vietcong or North Vietnamese fighters.• The only problem
(everyone was Vietnamese, so we did not know who was who.)
o Many U.S. soldiers were drafted which has not happened since then.
Affects on the United States
Distrust in government and anti-war attitudes.
Protests by the public
Lost the war
What about the Vietnamese?
Many innocent people were killed. Many became sick because of war gases
like Agent Orange (herbicide used to kill the jungle (cancer causing) and Napalm (sticky gel that would catch on fire and stick to whatever it landed on).
Massive birth defects.
US eventually lost, left, and Vietnam was taken over by communism.
“
Forgiveness made me free from hatred. I still have many scars on my body and severe pain most days but my heart is cleansed. Napalm is very powerful, but faith, forgiveness, and love are much more powerful. We would not have war at all if everyone could learn how to live with true love, hope, and forgiveness. If that little girl in the picture can do it, ask yourself: Can you?— Kim Phúc, NPR in 2008 ”
— Kim Phúc, NPR in 2008 [
