9.+Vietnam-+Path+to+War

 After the French had been defeated at the battle of Dien Bien Phu, the rebel Viet Mihn had finally gotten rid of colonial rule. Following the battle a conference was held in Geneva, Switzerland where it was said that the French had to move below the 17th parallel and prepare to evacuate Vietnam. While this was occurring the Vietnamese moved North a prepared for an election to choose a ruler to lead the now united Vietnam. Despite this, Vietnam still broke into a “North” and “South”. The communist military leader Ho Chi Mihn took over the North and Ngo Nihm Diem took over the South. Diem thought that the North and communist were wrong so he put off the election of 1956. The U.S which was in support of the French backed Diem and his decisions. Because of the cancellation of the election, Ho Chi Mihn and the Viet Mihn decided to return to war in order to reunite the country. Due to the return to war, Diem asked the U.S for military advisors and personnel and the U.S was happy to help.

 Diem, his government and his military were all unpopular. The Viet Cong and Liberation Army of the North emerged over the dividing line, and the U.S saw them as dangerous communists. Also, the U.S knew there was going to be an assassination attempt on Diem’s life, but they didn’t take action. Eventually he was killed, and now South Vietnamese people were even more unstable. The Viet Cong grew stronger and despite the fact they were outnumbered 11-1 the Southern Army couldn’t contain them. Now, U.S officials were worried about a communist takeover of Vietnam. They feared that if Vietnam went communist, then other countries would follow.

 Now, although thousands of Americans were stationed in Vietnam, war wasn’t declared so they can’t engage. In August of 1964, the Maddox a U.S was attacked. President Lyndon Johnson ordered U.S military planes to begin bombing locations in North Vietnam. Johnson then went to Congress and asked if war could be declared and by an overwhelming vote, Congress agreed. On February 7, 1965, a U.S helicopter Depot and Advisory Center are attacked and 9 Americans die and another 70 are wounded. After this, President Johnson orders an immediate airstrike by Navy fighter-bombers just inside North Vietnam. 3 Days later, a placed bomb is put in a hotel and 23 Americans are killed. In response to this, Operation Rolling Thunder is put in place. The Operation is supposed to stop supplies from North Vietnam to the Viet Cong operating in the South. Another way to stop transportation of supplies was started on April 3rd. American fighter begin bombing rail lines, bridges and supply roads in the North. After all this, the U.S offers economic aid in exchange for peace but the offer is rejected. 2 weeks later, the American fighting force is raised to over 60 thousand troops. Korean and Australian troops are also brought in to show International support for the South.