Vietnam War - People and Groups

Ho Chi Minh

Leader of the Viet Minh and North Vietnam (Communism), advocating for independence from colonial powers and unification of Vietnam.

Ngo Dinh Diem

South Vietnamese leader supported by the United States, faced internal opposition, instability, and corruption.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Initiated economic and military aid to South Vietnam to counter communist influence.

John F. Kennedy

Increased military advisors in Vietnam and faced the escalation of U.S. involvement.

Lyndon B. Johnson

Oversaw significant escalation of U.S. troop presence in Vietnam. Did not re-run in 1968

Richard Nixon

Implemented Vietnamization policy, gradually withdrawing U.S. troops and shifting responsibility to South Vietnam.

Robert Kennedy

Spoke out against the war, advocating for a negotiated settlement.

Hubert Humphrey

Vice President under Johnson, supported the administration's policies in Vietnam. Ran as a democrat in the 1968 presidential election.

George Wallace

Criticized U.S. involvement in Vietnam and emphasized domestic issues in his political platform. Ran on the independent ballot of 1968 presidential election.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Opposed the war, seeing it as a distraction from civil rights efforts and socioeconomic issues at home.

The Viet Minh

Fought against French colonial rule and later against the U.S.-backed South Vietnamese government.

The Viet Cong

Guerrilla fighters allied with the North Vietnamese Army, operating in South Vietnam.

Doves

Advocated for peaceful solutions and opposed U.S. military intervention in Vietnam.

Hawks

Supported aggressive U.S. military action and escalation in Vietnam.

Minorities in the war

Faced disproportionate conscription rates and often experienced discrimination in the military and at home.