Johnson__Americanization1

Johnson: Johnson: The Americanization Of The Americanization Of The War, Lies, Politics, The War, Lies, Politics,

and Incompetenceand IncompetenceJohnson’s WarsJohnson’s Wars::

The Vietnam WarThe Vietnam WarThe War On PovertyThe War On PovertyThe Great SocietyThe Great Society

JFK’s Assassination Leads JFK’s Assassination Leads To LBJ’s PresidencyTo LBJ’s Presidency

LBJ is sworn in as President on Air Force One as the LBJ is sworn in as President on Air Force One as the grief stricken First Lady stands by.grief stricken First Lady stands by.

The Tonkin Incident.The Tonkin Incident.

The Gulf of Tonkin The Gulf of Tonkin IncidentIncident

On August 2, 1964, North On August 2, 1964, North Vietnamese patrol boats attack the Vietnamese patrol boats attack the Maddox, an American destroyer in Maddox, an American destroyer in the Tonkin Gulf. A doubtful incident the Tonkin Gulf. A doubtful incident is reported two days later.is reported two days later.

The destroyer The destroyer Maddox.Maddox.

The Tonkin ResolutionThe Tonkin Resolution On August 7, 1964, Congress passes On August 7, 1964, Congress passes

the Tonkin Resolution, granting LBJ the Tonkin Resolution, granting LBJ almost unlimited power to act in almost unlimited power to act in Southeast Asia.Southeast Asia.

To make matters more complicated, To make matters more complicated, in October of 1964 Communist China in October of 1964 Communist China becomes a nuclear power, exploding becomes a nuclear power, exploding its first atomic bomb.its first atomic bomb.

LBJ Is Re-ElectedLBJ Is Re-Elected Running against Barry Goldwater, Running against Barry Goldwater,

LBJ is re-elected for a term of his LBJ is re-elected for a term of his own.own.

He ran on a peace platform as well He ran on a peace platform as well as his vaunted Civil Rights and War as his vaunted Civil Rights and War on Poverty platforms.on Poverty platforms.

LBJ campaigning, LBJ campaigning, promising peace.promising peace.

A triumphant LBJ at the A triumphant LBJ at the Democratic Party’s Democratic Party’s

ConventionConvention

Why did LBJ Why did LBJ “Americanize The War In “Americanize The War In

Vietnam?Vietnam? The South Vietnamese Government was The South Vietnamese Government was inept.inept.

The Diem Regime, (1954-1963) which The Diem Regime, (1954-1963) which ended with Diem’s murder in 1963, was at ended with Diem’s murder in 1963, was at best unpopular and incapable of generating best unpopular and incapable of generating support from the South Vietnamese people.support from the South Vietnamese people.

The Generals:The Generals: The Generals, who in one successive coup after The Generals, who in one successive coup after

another, who took Diem’s place were another, who took Diem’s place were incompetent as government officials and often incompetent as government officials and often corrupt.corrupt.

The Need For The Need For AmericanizationAmericanization

Unless something dramatic was done to Unless something dramatic was done to prop up the South Vietnamese prop up the South Vietnamese Government and military, the Vietcong Government and military, the Vietcong would gain control of South Vietnam in a would gain control of South Vietnam in a short period of time.short period of time.

LBJ, for political domestic political LBJ, for political domestic political reasons, could not allow this to happen.reasons, could not allow this to happen.

LBJ knew that if he was viewed as being LBJ knew that if he was viewed as being soft on communism, his opponents would soft on communism, his opponents would block his Great Society in Congress.block his Great Society in Congress.

Why?Why? LBJ knew that to be re-elected he had to LBJ knew that to be re-elected he had to

defeat Barry Goldwater, a hard-line anti-defeat Barry Goldwater, a hard-line anti-communist.communist.

Real national security reasons:Real national security reasons: There was a real fear that the fall of Vietnam There was a real fear that the fall of Vietnam

would lead to the spread of communism would lead to the spread of communism throughout all of Southeast Asia - the domino throughout all of Southeast Asia - the domino theory.theory.

The Cold War - Johnson could not be seen as The Cold War - Johnson could not be seen as weak to the rest of the world as the U.S. waged weak to the rest of the world as the U.S. waged the Cold War.the Cold War.

Did the U.S. Military Did the U.S. Military presence make a presence make a

difference?difference? In 1965, yes.In 1965, yes. The Marines had secured the area The Marines had secured the area

around Da Nang and had made the around Da Nang and had made the first American military campaign of first American military campaign of the war, destroying an NVA regiment the war, destroying an NVA regiment in the process.in the process.

Silver Bayonet demonstrated the Silver Bayonet demonstrated the effectiveness of helicopters in effectiveness of helicopters in deploying large forces and the use of deploying large forces and the use of B-52s as tactical weapons. B-52s as tactical weapons.

What was Johnson’s real What was Johnson’s real motivation?motivation?

Johnson was not interested in foreign Johnson was not interested in foreign affairs. He had his own agenda and affairs. He had his own agenda and goals.goals.

LBJ wanted to be remembered as a great LBJ wanted to be remembered as a great liberal icon like his idol, FDR.liberal icon like his idol, FDR.

LBJ planned to force social and economic LBJ planned to force social and economic changes on American society on the changes on American society on the scale of FDR’s New Deal and LBJ scale of FDR’s New Deal and LBJ planned to impose these changes without planned to impose these changes without the backdrop of the Great Depression.the backdrop of the Great Depression.

Domestic Politics & The Domestic Politics & The WarWar

Johnson knew his social agenda would face Johnson knew his social agenda would face tremendous opposition from different factions tremendous opposition from different factions in Congress and for different reasons.in Congress and for different reasons.

While his civil rights goals were legitimate While his civil rights goals were legitimate and much needed reforms, there would be and much needed reforms, there would be considerable opposition from factions within considerable opposition from factions within his own party to these changes.his own party to these changes.

LBJ’s economic reforms would be resisted by LBJ’s economic reforms would be resisted by the Republicans because of the confiscatory the Republicans because of the confiscatory nature of LBJ’s proposed economic policies as nature of LBJ’s proposed economic policies as well as the questionable effectiveness of the well as the questionable effectiveness of the welfare state LBJ proposed creating.welfare state LBJ proposed creating.

Domestic Politics & The Domestic Politics & The WarWar

Johnson also feared that if South Johnson also feared that if South Vietnam fell to communism he would Vietnam fell to communism he would face a Red Scare like Truman had, face a Red Scare like Truman had, providing his enemies with ample providing his enemies with ample ammunition to stop his agenda.ammunition to stop his agenda.

Johnson decided the solution to his Johnson decided the solution to his problems was a nice little war.problems was a nice little war.

The Nice Little WarThe Nice Little War By Americanizing the war in Vietnam, LBJ By Americanizing the war in Vietnam, LBJ

could look like he was a good Cold Warrior could look like he was a good Cold Warrior who was tough on communism. This would who was tough on communism. This would buy him political capital with the Cold buy him political capital with the Cold Warriors in Congress.Warriors in Congress.

The Democrats known as the Dixiecrats would The Democrats known as the Dixiecrats would side with him out of patriotism – Southerners side with him out of patriotism – Southerners culturally tend to support the military more culturally tend to support the military more than any other region of the United States – than any other region of the United States – buying him at least silent opposition if not buying him at least silent opposition if not neutrality towards his social programs.neutrality towards his social programs.

More Domestic Reasons More Domestic Reasons The Hawks who feared communism The Hawks who feared communism

and wanted more money to be spent and wanted more money to be spent on the military would also support on the military would also support Johnson’s war effort – again buying Johnson’s war effort – again buying him political capital he could call in him political capital he could call in for his domestic agenda.for his domestic agenda.

There is a small There is a small problem…problem…

The leftists and most of the liberals The leftists and most of the liberals in LBJ’s party will oppose him for in LBJ’s party will oppose him for ideological reasons if he ideological reasons if he Americanizes the war.Americanizes the war.

Thus, LBJ instructs his advisors that Thus, LBJ instructs his advisors that his initial re-election takes priority his initial re-election takes priority over the war. No major decisions are over the war. No major decisions are to be made until after the election.to be made until after the election.

Keep It QuietKeep It Quiet LBJ orders that the American people are LBJ orders that the American people are

to be kept in the dark about anything to to be kept in the dark about anything to do with the Vietnam War.do with the Vietnam War.

McNamara is ordered to ensure that the McNamara is ordered to ensure that the Joint Chiefs of Staff play ball with LBJ’s Joint Chiefs of Staff play ball with LBJ’s war plans.war plans.

Great pains are taken to insure that the Great pains are taken to insure that the American people and Congress are kept American people and Congress are kept in the dark about the situation in Vietnam.in the dark about the situation in Vietnam.

Graduated ResponseGraduated Response Under the leadership of McNamara, the Under the leadership of McNamara, the

“Whiz Kids” develop the concept of “Whiz Kids” develop the concept of “graduated response.”“graduated response.”

This theory states that the objective is not This theory states that the objective is not to win the conflict, but to use a carefully to win the conflict, but to use a carefully orchestrated response that is gradually orchestrated response that is gradually increased carefully as required in order to increased carefully as required in order to “communicate” resolve to the enemy.“communicate” resolve to the enemy.

LBJ likes this plan as it allows him to keep LBJ likes this plan as it allows him to keep the war small and inexpensive.the war small and inexpensive.

The Joint Chiefs of StaffThe Joint Chiefs of Staff The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) did not The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) did not

want to get involved in the Vietnam War. want to get involved in the Vietnam War. If the U.S. has to go, the JCS wanted to If the U.S. has to go, the JCS wanted to

hammer the enemy.hammer the enemy. The JCS wanted a large force on the The JCS wanted a large force on the

ground and massive, destructive air raids ground and massive, destructive air raids that cause considerable “pain” for North that cause considerable “pain” for North Vietnam.Vietnam.

LBJ, via McNamara, said NO!LBJ, via McNamara, said NO!

Failure of the JCSFailure of the JCS The JCS was to blame for the The JCS was to blame for the

Vietnam fiasco in two key ways:Vietnam fiasco in two key ways: Inter-service rivalry prevented them Inter-service rivalry prevented them

from presenting a clear and unified plan from presenting a clear and unified plan in opposition to the President’s plan.in opposition to the President’s plan.

The JCS went along with LBJ’s The JCS went along with LBJ’s disastrous plans in hopes that later he disastrous plans in hopes that later he would allow them to “increase the would allow them to “increase the pressure” on the communists.pressure” on the communists.

LBJ and his cabinet seen LBJ and his cabinet seen discussing the conflict in discussing the conflict in

VietnamVietnam

Did the U.S. Military Did the U.S. Military Presence Make A Presence Make A

Difference?Difference? Ia Drang Valley – 300 American Ia Drang Valley – 300 American

soldiers died, but over 2,000 NVA soldiers died, but over 2,000 NVA were killed.were killed.

This convinced Westmoreland that his This convinced Westmoreland that his search-and-destroy concept would search-and-destroy concept would work – this kind of kill ratio would win work – this kind of kill ratio would win a war of attrition.a war of attrition.

It did not take into account that the It did not take into account that the American people would not accept this American people would not accept this plan.plan.

Johnson’s Mismanagement of Johnson’s Mismanagement of the Warthe War

Determined to be viewed as a great “War President,” Determined to be viewed as a great “War President,” LBJ micromanaged the Vietnam War.LBJ micromanaged the Vietnam War.

Convinced by a Harvard sociology professor that the Convinced by a Harvard sociology professor that the war could be won by an attrition strategy called the war could be won by an attrition strategy called the ““Crossover PointCrossover Point,” LBJ ignored the advice of the ,” LBJ ignored the advice of the military and adopted General Westmoreland’s military and adopted General Westmoreland’s controversial body count strategy which led to the controversial body count strategy which led to the use of “use of “Search & DestroySearch & Destroy” tactics in Vietnam.” tactics in Vietnam.

Johnson, Westmoreland and the sociologist never Johnson, Westmoreland and the sociologist never took into account that the communists had no regard took into account that the communists had no regard for human life and would suffer any number of for human life and would suffer any number of casualties in order to win the war.casualties in order to win the war.

The “The “crossover pointcrossover point,” the point at which the enemy ,” the point at which the enemy has lost so many soldiers they can no longer be has lost so many soldiers they can no longer be replaced, was recalculated 7 times during the war.replaced, was recalculated 7 times during the war.

Rolling ThunderRolling Thunder On February 24, Operation Rolling On February 24, Operation Rolling

Thunder begins, the bombing of North Thunder begins, the bombing of North Vietnam.Vietnam.

Johnson’s idea behind Rolling Thunder Johnson’s idea behind Rolling Thunder was to “convince the communists that was to “convince the communists that they could not win the war.” It was not to they could not win the war.” It was not to destroy the capability of the communists destroy the capability of the communists to wage war.to wage war.

Johnson became personally involved in Johnson became personally involved in the selection of targets, ignoring his the selection of targets, ignoring his military advisors.military advisors.

Peace OfferPeace Offer On April 7, 1965, LBJ extends an offer On April 7, 1965, LBJ extends an offer

of peace to Ho Chi Minh.of peace to Ho Chi Minh. On April 8, 1965, the communists On April 8, 1965, the communists

reject the offer.reject the offer. 18 American combat battalions are 18 American combat battalions are

now in Vietnam.now in Vietnam. On July 28, 1965, LBJ approves On July 28, 1965, LBJ approves

Westmoreland’s request for 44 Westmoreland’s request for 44 additional combat battalions.additional combat battalions.

Why Fight This Way?Why Fight This Way? Johnson initially was not interested in Johnson initially was not interested in

winning the war in Vietnam, only in showing winning the war in Vietnam, only in showing the communists they could not win.the communists they could not win.

Why use this approach?Why use this approach? Money.Money. To wage a war with the intent of winning it To wage a war with the intent of winning it

would have been very expensive, not would have been very expensive, not allowing Johnson to confiscate, through allowing Johnson to confiscate, through taxation, vast sums of American taxpayer taxation, vast sums of American taxpayer money to redistribute through his vision of money to redistribute through his vision of a Welfare State. a Welfare State.

Simply put, Johnson could not pay for both.Simply put, Johnson could not pay for both.

Money, Politics and the Money, Politics and the WarWar

LBJ intended to have his cake and eat LBJ intended to have his cake and eat it too.it too.

He was going to have his war AND his He was going to have his war AND his domestic agenda.domestic agenda.

By limiting the scope of the war, he By limiting the scope of the war, he avoided direct conflict with communist avoided direct conflict with communist China, a legitimate concern, and China, a legitimate concern, and retained the ability, or so he thought, retained the ability, or so he thought, of paying for his welfare state.of paying for his welfare state.

Influencing LBJ’s Influencing LBJ’s DecisionDecision

LBJ inherited much of his LBJ inherited much of his administration from Kennedy.administration from Kennedy.

These individuals were East Coast These individuals were East Coast liberal academics educated in Ivy liberal academics educated in Ivy League schools.League schools.

Few of them understood the military Few of them understood the military or even held the American military or even held the American military and its personnel in high regard.and its personnel in high regard.

Understanding the Understanding the SituationSituation

LBJ was surrounded by academics and LBJ was surrounded by academics and businessmen who wanted to be able to businessmen who wanted to be able to measure everything quantitatively and measure everything quantitatively and analyze the war in Vietnam like it was analyze the war in Vietnam like it was a business problem or a research a business problem or a research project in sociology.project in sociology.

Both LBJ, McNamara and most of the Both LBJ, McNamara and most of the advisors gave little credence to things advisors gave little credence to things like morale, nationalism, motivation, like morale, nationalism, motivation, etc. These were hard to measure.etc. These were hard to measure.

The Result of The Result of MisunderstandingMisunderstanding

LBJ was a very difficult person to work for. LBJ was a very difficult person to work for. He never liked ideas that opposed his and he He never liked ideas that opposed his and he liked getting bad news even less. So his liked getting bad news even less. So his advisors learned to simply go along with what advisors learned to simply go along with what he wanted and restate bad news to lessen its he wanted and restate bad news to lessen its impact.impact.

Because of how Johnson chose to wage the Because of how Johnson chose to wage the war, the American military did not have a war, the American military did not have a clear idea of how to measure victory, having clear idea of how to measure victory, having been forced to rely on “body counts” as a been forced to rely on “body counts” as a measure of progress.measure of progress.

IndecisionIndecision To make matters worse, LBJ’s constant indecision To make matters worse, LBJ’s constant indecision

and refusal to address the war on a long term and refusal to address the war on a long term basis led to his continual incremental increase of basis led to his continual incremental increase of the American presence in the war.the American presence in the war.

His refusal to make any decision except an His refusal to make any decision except an immediate one that was small in scope prevented immediate one that was small in scope prevented the American military from being able to develop the American military from being able to develop a strategy that would achieve victory.a strategy that would achieve victory.

In the process it cost the lives of hundreds of In the process it cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, both American and thousands of people, both American and Vietnamese.Vietnamese.

The The Immorality of It AllImmorality of It All Johnson’s decision to wage the war with Johnson’s decision to wage the war with

Search and Destroy tactics led to Search and Destroy tactics led to questionable use of American firepower.questionable use of American firepower.

Commanders in the field who were sick Commanders in the field who were sick of not being able to find the VC or NVA of not being able to find the VC or NVA to fight. They were frustrated by to fight. They were frustrated by watching their men dying as a result of watching their men dying as a result of sniper attacks and booby traps as they sniper attacks and booby traps as they patrolled the same ground over and patrolled the same ground over and over.over.

The Immorality of It AllThe Immorality of It All So when a sniper did open fire, the So when a sniper did open fire, the

ground commanders simply began ground commanders simply began telling their men to take cover.telling their men to take cover.

They would then call in an air strike or They would then call in an air strike or an artillery barrage and not only kill an artillery barrage and not only kill the sniper, but destroy anything in the the sniper, but destroy anything in the general area. If this meant wiping out general area. If this meant wiping out an entire village, so be it, the villagers an entire village, so be it, the villagers should not have harbored a VC.should not have harbored a VC.

More PoliticsMore Politics Johnson feared the American people’s Johnson feared the American people’s

reaction to the war and based many reaction to the war and based many other military decisions on other military decisions on controlling American public opinion controlling American public opinion rather than on what was best for the rather than on what was best for the military.military.

The first units sent to Vietnam were The first units sent to Vietnam were all volunteers, highly motivated and all volunteers, highly motivated and well trained.well trained.

More PoliticsMore Politics As the war progressed and the size of the As the war progressed and the size of the

American ground forces had to continue American ground forces had to continue to be increased, Johnson had placed the to be increased, Johnson had placed the American in a difficult situation.American in a difficult situation.

More and more forces had to be More and more forces had to be withdrawn from bases around the world withdrawn from bases around the world to feed the meat grinder that was to feed the meat grinder that was Vietnam. In doing so, LBJ was severely Vietnam. In doing so, LBJ was severely weakening the U.S. Military’s ability to weakening the U.S. Military’s ability to meet its Cold War responsibilities.meet its Cold War responsibilities.

Domestic Politics AgainDomestic Politics Again Johnson had to resort to filling the army through Johnson had to resort to filling the army through

large scale conscription, the draft.large scale conscription, the draft. Fearing the loss of support of the middle class, Fearing the loss of support of the middle class,

Johnson made several poor decisions. Johnson knew Johnson made several poor decisions. Johnson knew the poor did not have the political clout to oppose the poor did not have the political clout to oppose him.him.

They included:They included: College draft deferments – this allowed the wealthy and College draft deferments – this allowed the wealthy and

middle class students to avoid the draft.middle class students to avoid the draft. It would place an unfair burden on Blue Collar and poor It would place an unfair burden on Blue Collar and poor

families whose children did not or could not afford to go to families whose children did not or could not afford to go to college, making these segment of the American population college, making these segment of the American population have to field too large a representative portion of the Army.have to field too large a representative portion of the Army.

The quality of the soldiers drafted from this segment of the The quality of the soldiers drafted from this segment of the American society, on average, was very poor due to lack of American society, on average, was very poor due to lack of education, motivation and other problems.education, motivation and other problems.

The Rotation and The Rotation and Destruction of the UnitDestruction of the Unit

Johnson, who did not understand the Johnson, who did not understand the military, also did not want to face military, also did not want to face pressure from families who sons had been pressure from families who sons had been at war for years.at war for years.

So he ordered that the troops be rotated So he ordered that the troops be rotated as individuals, not entire units. When a as individuals, not entire units. When a soldier finished his tour in Vietnam he soldier finished his tour in Vietnam he went home.went home.

This destroyed unit cohesion. The troops This destroyed unit cohesion. The troops had no loyalty to the unit and were all just had no loyalty to the unit and were all just counting days to go home.counting days to go home.

Individualism and DefeatIndividualism and Defeat Soldiers had no motivation to win the Soldiers had no motivation to win the

war. When a soldier cannot go home war. When a soldier cannot go home until his unit goes home, he is highly until his unit goes home, he is highly motivated to get the job done and go motivated to get the job done and go home.home.

When the unit stays no matter what When the unit stays no matter what happens and the individual soldier goes happens and the individual soldier goes home when his tour is up, the soldier is home when his tour is up, the soldier is not motivated to take risks for the unit, not motivated to take risks for the unit, but is highly motivated to look out for but is highly motivated to look out for himself, survive and get out of Vietnam.himself, survive and get out of Vietnam.

The Unit SuffersThe Unit Suffers Because units did not have a clear Because units did not have a clear

identity, many units in Vietnam did not identity, many units in Vietnam did not fight well in the later years of the war.fight well in the later years of the war.

Normally units train together, deploy Normally units train together, deploy together, fight together and go home together, fight together and go home together. This creates highly together. This creates highly experienced, motivated, tough combat experienced, motivated, tough combat units.units.

Johnson destroyed this for the sake of Johnson destroyed this for the sake of domestic politics.domestic politics.

The Unit SuffersThe Unit Suffers Another terrible problem with this Another terrible problem with this

approach was that most combat approach was that most combat casualties come about due to casualties come about due to inexperience.inexperience.

A soldier was much more likely to die A soldier was much more likely to die at the start of his combat tour than the at the start of his combat tour than the end, due to a lack of experience.end, due to a lack of experience.

The experienced hands who knew how The experienced hands who knew how to survive had little motivation to help to survive had little motivation to help the new soldiers.the new soldiers.

The Unit SuffersThe Unit Suffers Veterans always look at replacements with Veterans always look at replacements with

distrust. The replacement is there because a distrust. The replacement is there because a buddy is dead or wounded.buddy is dead or wounded.

Replacements require effort to keep them Replacements require effort to keep them alive and teach them the “ropes.”alive and teach them the “ropes.”

When a normal unit rotation is used, the When a normal unit rotation is used, the veterans overcome their natural reluctance veterans overcome their natural reluctance because the replacements are now part of the because the replacements are now part of the unit.unit.

For the unit to succeed, survive and ultimately For the unit to succeed, survive and ultimately win and go home, the replacements have to win and go home, the replacements have to be taken care of.be taken care of.

The Unit SuffersThe Unit Suffers Without the unit concept, the veterans are Without the unit concept, the veterans are

interested in their own personal survival interested in their own personal survival and are not as motivated to overcome and are not as motivated to overcome their natural reluctance to help the their natural reluctance to help the replacements.replacements.

Even worse, the rotation of the veterans Even worse, the rotation of the veterans home left the replacements without any home left the replacements without any old hands to teach them.old hands to teach them.

Johnson has once again demonstrated his Johnson has once again demonstrated his total lack of understanding of the military.total lack of understanding of the military.

The American PeopleThe American People Given Johnson’s reasons for waging Given Johnson’s reasons for waging

the Vietnam War, it is understandable the Vietnam War, it is understandable that he was unwilling to explain that he was unwilling to explain things to the American people.things to the American people.

Johnson’s controlling and Johnson’s controlling and confrontational personality also made confrontational personality also made the situation more difficult as he did the situation more difficult as he did not want opposition from the not want opposition from the American people.American people.

The Result – The Truth The Result – The Truth SufferedSuffered

The Johnson Administration, as a result The Johnson Administration, as a result of either a direct command from LBJ or of either a direct command from LBJ or as a by-product of having to deal with as a by-product of having to deal with LBJ’s difficult personality, often took LBJ’s difficult personality, often took one of three paths in communicating one of three paths in communicating with the American people:with the American people: They only reported good news.They only reported good news. They only told half the truth.They only told half the truth. They simply lied.They simply lied.

Another Peace OfferingAnother Peace Offering On December 25, 1965, LBJ halts On December 25, 1965, LBJ halts

the bombing of North Vietnam in an the bombing of North Vietnam in an effort to get the communists to effort to get the communists to engage in peace negotiations.engage in peace negotiations.

McNamara - 1965McNamara - 1965 An early believer in the Vietnam War, An early believer in the Vietnam War,

after his visit to Saigon in late November after his visit to Saigon in late November of 1965 McNamara came back of 1965 McNamara came back disillusioned.disillusioned.

He returned to state that “an immediate He returned to state that “an immediate increase in U.S. troops would be needed increase in U.S. troops would be needed just to avert disaster.”just to avert disaster.”

He advised Johnson that it would be a He advised Johnson that it would be a long war and the best approach was to long war and the best approach was to seek a “compromise solution” through seek a “compromise solution” through negotiations.negotiations.

Alain Enthoven Alain Enthoven An expert on European defense issues, An expert on European defense issues,

with no political axe to grind, was able to with no political axe to grind, was able to provide this insight, “the real force provide this insight, “the real force confronting the United States in confronting the United States in Vietnam, he wrote, was less Communism Vietnam, he wrote, was less Communism than ‘the strongest political current in than ‘the strongest political current in the world today – nationalism.” He the world today – nationalism.” He predicted it would inspire the North predicted it would inspire the North Vietnamese to “continue to endure great Vietnamese to “continue to endure great hardship.”hardship.”

19661966By the beginning of 1966, Vietnam had By the beginning of 1966, Vietnam had

become an obsession for Johnson.become an obsession for Johnson.He had no intention of quitting or even He had no intention of quitting or even

compromising when it came to the compromising when it came to the war in Vietnam.war in Vietnam.

Yet, Johnson sensed that the war was Yet, Johnson sensed that the war was poisoning his administration and poisoning his administration and might even turn the nation against might even turn the nation against him if rapid progress was not made.him if rapid progress was not made.

PacificationPacification Johnson and South Vietnamese Johnson and South Vietnamese

leaders issue a joint declaration that leaders issue a joint declaration that “Pacification” must take place in “Pacification” must take place in South Vietnam.South Vietnam.

Pacification was the term used to Pacification was the term used to mean anti-communist efforts.mean anti-communist efforts.

Bombing ResumesBombing Resumes LBJ orders bombing to resume on LBJ orders bombing to resume on

January 31, 1966.January 31, 1966. LBJ orders American troop strength LBJ orders American troop strength

to be at 400,000 by year’s end.to be at 400,000 by year’s end.

The FrenchThe French French President General Charles de French President General Charles de

Gaulle visits Cambodia in September of Gaulle visits Cambodia in September of 1966. 1966.

Despite the fact that Vietnam is a former Despite the fact that Vietnam is a former French colony and that the first American French colony and that the first American advisors arrived due to de Gaulle’s advisors arrived due to de Gaulle’s request to Eisenhower for military aid, de request to Eisenhower for military aid, de Gaulle states in a speech during his visit Gaulle states in a speech during his visit that the Americans military presence that the Americans military presence should withdraw immediately from should withdraw immediately from Vietnam.Vietnam.

19671967 American troop totals continue to American troop totals continue to

increase, reaching 500,000 men.increase, reaching 500,000 men. Westmoreland begins construction Westmoreland begins construction

of strategic compounds, including of strategic compounds, including infamous Khesahn. Khesahn was infamous Khesahn. Khesahn was designed to interrupt the flow of designed to interrupt the flow of men, weapons, and supplies on the men, weapons, and supplies on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.Ho Chi Minh Trail.

NegotiationsNegotiations The North Vietnamese demand the The North Vietnamese demand the

bombing stop. They will not bombing stop. They will not negotiate for peace until the negotiate for peace until the bombing stops.bombing stops.

The War At HomeThe War At Home In 1967, the once popular war In 1967, the once popular war

against “communism” intended to against “communism” intended to prevent the “domino effect,” is prevent the “domino effect,” is beginning to lose popularity on the beginning to lose popularity on the home front.home front.

War protests begin at home.War protests begin at home.

19681968 American forces receiver permission to American forces receiver permission to

pursue communist forces into Cambodia.pursue communist forces into Cambodia. The Tet Offensive takes place. While The Tet Offensive takes place. While

ultimately a military debacle for the Viet ultimately a military debacle for the Viet Cong and NVA, Tet shakes the Cong and NVA, Tet shakes the confidence of the American people, in confidence of the American people, in part to how the offensive was reported part to how the offensive was reported by the American media. It also made by the American media. It also made American troops feel more confusion, American troops feel more confusion, anxiety and uncertainty.anxiety and uncertainty.

Khe SahnKhe Sahn At 5:30 am on At 5:30 am on

January 21, 1968, the January 21, 1968, the siege of Khe Shan siege of Khe Shan began.began.

This remote military This remote military outpost manned by outpost manned by U.S. Marines became U.S. Marines became the site of the longest the site of the longest running battle in the running battle in the Viet Nam War, Viet Nam War, lasting 77 days.lasting 77 days.

Marines at Khe Sahn under mortar fire. Marines at Khe Sahn under mortar fire. The NVA forces fired 100 mortar rounds The NVA forces fired 100 mortar rounds

an hour at Khe Sahn.an hour at Khe Sahn.

Trenches at Khe Sahn – Trenches at Khe Sahn – Preparing for the siege.Preparing for the siege.

An A-4 coming in to drop a An A-4 coming in to drop a load of Napalm at Khe Sahnload of Napalm at Khe Sahn

The Napalm Run is done.The Napalm Run is done.

Human Wave AttacksHuman Wave Attacks The communists would launch human wave The communists would launch human wave

attacks in an effort to overrun the Marines.attacks in an effort to overrun the Marines. They carried ladders with them as they They carried ladders with them as they

charged the outpost. These were to throw charged the outpost. These were to throw over the barbed wire and to use as over the barbed wire and to use as stretchers to carry back their dead and stretchers to carry back their dead and wounded.wounded.

The Marines used Teller mines to slaughter The Marines used Teller mines to slaughter the communists as they launched their the communists as they launched their attack.attack.

Another Dien Bien Phu?Another Dien Bien Phu? This time, General Giap was not This time, General Giap was not

successful. The Americans were able successful. The Americans were able to re-supply the outpost by air.to re-supply the outpost by air.

C-130’s would touch down on the C-130’s would touch down on the airstrip with their cargo bay doors airstrip with their cargo bay doors open. The cargo on board had chutes open. The cargo on board had chutes attached that would pull the cargo out attached that would pull the cargo out of the plan. The C-130, under fire, of the plan. The C-130, under fire, would then accelerate and take off, would then accelerate and take off, never coming to a complete stop.never coming to a complete stop.

The AftermathThe Aftermath With the Americans and AVRN mopping With the Americans and AVRN mopping

up the VC and NVA after Tet, additional up the VC and NVA after Tet, additional American mobile forces were available.American mobile forces were available.

This meant that the outpost at Khe This meant that the outpost at Khe Sahn was no longer necessary.Sahn was no longer necessary.

The outpost was quietly abandoned. The outpost was quietly abandoned. Today it is overgrown with trees but the Today it is overgrown with trees but the defense positions can still be seen.defense positions can still be seen.

A Military Defeat – A Propaganda A Military Defeat – A Propaganda VictoryVictory

The Siege of Khe Sahn was a military The Siege of Khe Sahn was a military debacle for the communists. The debacle for the communists. The Marines killed over 16,000 communist Marines killed over 16,000 communist soldiers. This does not include those soldiers. This does not include those killed by the bomb raids that the killed by the bomb raids that the Marines could not find the bodies to Marines could not find the bodies to count.count.

But, the Siege of Khe Sahn was a great But, the Siege of Khe Sahn was a great propaganda victory for the communists.propaganda victory for the communists.

American MediaAmerican Media The Siege started just before the Tet Offensive of The Siege started just before the Tet Offensive of

1968. Like the Siege, Tet was a military disaster 1968. Like the Siege, Tet was a military disaster for the communists. But the surprise attack for the communists. But the surprise attack stunned the American public, further eroding stunned the American public, further eroding confidence in the American ability to win the war.confidence in the American ability to win the war.

The American media covered the Siege daily. The American media covered the Siege daily. Evening news broadcasts led with the story and Evening news broadcasts led with the story and the networks posted the number of the day of the the networks posted the number of the day of the Siege on the screen during the report. Many Siege on the screen during the report. Many Americans felt like their were being held under Americans felt like their were being held under siege with the Marines.siege with the Marines.

The War Turns South For The War Turns South For LBJLBJ

Westmoreland requests over 200,000 Westmoreland requests over 200,000 additional troops after Tet.additional troops after Tet.

Clark Gifford replaced McNamara as Clark Gifford replaced McNamara as Secretary of Defense.Secretary of Defense.

Johnson advised against further escalation Johnson advised against further escalation of the war.of the war.

Robert Kennedy announces he will run for Robert Kennedy announces he will run for President.President.

LBJ is defeated by Eugene McCarthy in the LBJ is defeated by Eugene McCarthy in the New Hampshire Democratic Primary.New Hampshire Democratic Primary.

March 31, 1968March 31, 1968“I will not seek, nor accept, my party’s nomination to “I will not seek, nor accept, my party’s nomination to

run for another term as President.”run for another term as President.”

LBJ resigns himself to the fact that his LBJ resigns himself to the fact that his Presidency has been so tarnished by Presidency has been so tarnished by his administration’s conducting of the his administration’s conducting of the war, that it is impossible for him to be war, that it is impossible for him to be re-elected.re-elected.

Four days later, Dr. Martin Luther Four days later, Dr. Martin Luther King is assassinated.King is assassinated.

On June 5 of that year, Robert On June 5 of that year, Robert Kennedy is assassinated after winning Kennedy is assassinated after winning the California primary.the California primary.

Johnson’s stubborn refusal to make choices between his social Johnson’s stubborn refusal to make choices between his social programs and the war in Vietnam, led to significant damage to programs and the war in Vietnam, led to significant damage to

his social programs. Johnson simply could not fund both his social programs. Johnson simply could not fund both adequately and garner public and political support for both.adequately and garner public and political support for both.

The Ohio State Anti-war The Ohio State Anti-war RallyRally

LBJ had squandered popular support for the war. While LBJ had squandered popular support for the war. While many Americans did not feel the U.S. should be in many Americans did not feel the U.S. should be in

Vietnam, they supported the troops.Vietnam, they supported the troops.

LBJ: Why he failedLBJ: Why he failed LBJ may have been correct in waging LBJ may have been correct in waging

the Vietnam War. But his motivations the Vietnam War. But his motivations were wrong.were wrong.

His poor reasons for waging the war His poor reasons for waging the war led to the many poor decision in how led to the many poor decision in how the war was to be waged.the war was to be waged.

LBJ’s refusal to be truthful with the LBJ’s refusal to be truthful with the American people ultimately led to American people ultimately led to their disgust with his leadership.their disgust with his leadership.

LBJ – Why He FailedLBJ – Why He Failed LBJ had the support of the American people LBJ had the support of the American people

when he Americanized the war in Vietnam.when he Americanized the war in Vietnam. Because of his arrogance towards the American Because of his arrogance towards the American

people and the American military, LBJ did not people and the American military, LBJ did not take the effort to explain the situation to the take the effort to explain the situation to the American people and convince them of what American people and convince them of what needed to be done.needed to be done.

LBJ’s pride and self-serving desire for a great LBJ’s pride and self-serving desire for a great presidential legacy led him to put his own presidential legacy led him to put his own personal goals ahead of what was best for the personal goals ahead of what was best for the nations of the United States and South Vietnam.nations of the United States and South Vietnam.

LBJ’s refusal, or inability, to make a decision LBJ’s refusal, or inability, to make a decision about the course of the war, for whatever reason, about the course of the war, for whatever reason, doomed the United States to defeat.doomed the United States to defeat.

LBJ – Why he failedLBJ – Why he failed Johnson could have had it all. He Johnson could have had it all. He

could have won the war, been re-could have won the war, been re-elected as a victorious war elected as a victorious war president, had the political capital president, had the political capital he needed to pass his domestic he needed to pass his domestic agenda and left office with a great agenda and left office with a great legacy as a war president, a Cold legacy as a war president, a Cold Warrior AND a domestic president.Warrior AND a domestic president.

LBJ Goes Out With A LBJ Goes Out With A WhimperWhimper

Hubert Humphrey wins the Hubert Humphrey wins the Democratic Party’s nomination to Democratic Party’s nomination to run for President. This takes place run for President. This takes place with war protests and riots outside with war protests and riots outside the Democratic Party’s National the Democratic Party’s National Convention.Convention.

Johnson stops the bombing in North Johnson stops the bombing in North Vietnam.Vietnam.

Tricky Dick Moves InTricky Dick Moves In Richard “Tricky Dick” Nixon wins the Richard “Tricky Dick” Nixon wins the

election.election. Nixon has grand visions of Nixon has grand visions of

international diplomacy and getting international diplomacy and getting the upper hand in the Cold War with the upper hand in the Cold War with the Chinese and Soviet communists. the Chinese and Soviet communists. The Vietnam war stands in his way.The Vietnam war stands in his way.

Henry Kissinger is appointed National Henry Kissinger is appointed National Security Advisor.Security Advisor.