Domino theory ,1957 (Eisenhower doctrine

Domino theory ,1957 (Eisenhower doctrine

By: Carina Bohorquez

The Speech

The Domino theory was one of the most famous phrases of the Cold War.

The speech was given by the president Eisenhower when he suggested that the fall of the French Indochina to the communists would caused an effect in Southeast Asia.

Cause of the Speech

At the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, the Vietnamese Nationalist led by the communist Ho Chi Minh, were on the verge of winning a victory against the French forces.

U.S officials were concerned that the victory of Ho’s forces could leave a communist regime in control of Vietnam.

The Speech

President Eisenhower gave the conference on April 7,1954, in attempt to rally congressional and public support to increased U.S. aid to the French.

He explained the significance of Vietnam to the United States.

The Speech (cont.)

First he explained the economic importance, like the value in its production of materials that the world needs.

He noted that they had considerations that might follow what they would know as falling domino.

He expanded that thought, by explaining that they had a row of dominos set up, they knock over the first one and what will happen to the last one is that it will go over very quickly.

The Speech (cont.)

It would lead to disintegration in the Southeast Asia, with the loss of Indochina, Burma, Thailand and Indonesia.

He also suggested that Japan which is needed in Southeast Asia for trade is also in danger.

Impact of the Speech

Dien Bien Phu fell to the communists and an agreement was reached at the Geneva Conference which left Ho’s forces in control of northern Vietnam.

The announcement of the domino theory laid the foundation for U.S involvement in Vietnam.

John F. Kennedy

Both Kennedy and Johnson used the theory to justified their calls for the increased of the U.S economy and their military assistance to non-communist South Vietnam.

When John F. Kennedy became president he intended to contin- ued Eisenhower’s policy to support Ngo Dinh Diem and his South Vietnamese government.

John F. Kennedy(cont.)

He said that if South Vietnam became a communist, the whole of the non-communist world would be at risk.

If South Vietnam fell other countries would follow.

Countries at Risk

Laos Cambodia Burma Philippines New Zealand Australia

The Domino Theory

It was the cause that the United States enter the Vietnam War.

It became engraved as part of the US policy in 1964.

After the election of Richard Nixon, the context of the war changed radically.

The Domino Theory (cont.)

The relationship of North Vietnam with China had cooled.

The United States had improved relation with China and the Soviet Union.

The Domino Theory (cont.)

People argued that it was just propaganda scare tactic which was used to justify unwanted intervention policies.

Proponents of the policy argue that it was due in part to the effects of both the Korean and the Vietnam conflicts.

Arguments in Favor

The communist took over three Southeast Asian countries.

China supplied the North Vietnamese Army with troops and supplies.

The Soviet Union supplied them with tanks and heavy weapons.

Arguments Against

Opponents argued that the Domino theory misrepresented the real nature of the widespread human right abuses in North Vietnam.

The U.S backed regimes in the countries generated because of official corruption.