Vietnam War Background
In 1945, Ho Chi Minh, communist leader, declared Vietnam’s independence from France, as Vietnam was a colony of France. The United States entered the Vietnam War due to the US’s Containment Policy, saying that the US would help prevent the spread of communism. The French withdrew from the war and all of its soldiers were out of Vietnam by 1956, leaving the US to fight for South Vietnam and prevent the spread of communism in the country. This was due to a belief in the domino effect, that if we don't control the spread of communism in one country, it could spread to other countries. A lot of people opposed the US fighting in Vietnam, as they believed the conflict in Vietnam had nothing to do with the US (Vietnam War).
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and success of liberty." - President John F. Kennedy (Kennedy, John F)
Hartley-parkinson, Richard. "My War in Vietnam: Forty Years On, Photographer Who Took Iconic 'napalm Girl' Image Shares His Other Incredible Images." Mail Online. Associated Newspapers, 04 June 2012. Web. 18 June 2015.
The US involvement in the Vietnam War officially began the 1st of November in 1955, when Dwight Eisenhower was president, after the French left the war. The long lasting Vietnam War ended the 30th of April in 1975, as declared by President Gerald Ford.
The fighting was between communist North Vietnam (Viet Cong), who had the support of communist Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, who had the support of the democratic United States (Vietnam War).
The Vietnam War was televised, and Americans at home could watch what was happening in Vietnam. Death counts were given on TV. The death counts were false, as they lied about the numbers, increasing and glorifying them. This did not help create a positive public opinion (McLaughlin).
The fighting was between communist North Vietnam (Viet Cong), who had the support of communist Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, who had the support of the democratic United States (Vietnam War).
The Vietnam War was televised, and Americans at home could watch what was happening in Vietnam. Death counts were given on TV. The death counts were false, as they lied about the numbers, increasing and glorifying them. This did not help create a positive public opinion (McLaughlin).
"YOUTH, MASS CULTURE, AND PROTEST: THE RISE AND IMPACT OF 1960S ANTIWAR MUSIC." Rock and Roll: An American Story. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June 2015.