The Cold War: Lyndon Johnson and the Vietnam War

What was Lyndon B. Johnson's primary aim in Vietnam?

To achieve a quick victory without a major escalation of the war.

What was Plan 34A that Johnson implemented in 1964?

A covert operations plan aimed at escalating pressure on North Vietnam.

How did Johnson's approach to Vietnam differ from Kennedy's?

Johnson continued Kennedy's counterinsurgency tactics while increasing military advisers but eventually faced skepticism and escalated the conflict.

What significant event changed Johnson's approach to the Vietnam War in August 1964?

The Gulf of Tonkin incident.

What happened during the Gulf of Tonkin incident on August 2, 1964?

Three North Vietnamese patrol boats fired torpedoes at the USS Maddox.

What did the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution allow Johnson to do?

It gave Johnson the power to conduct military operations in Vietnam without consulting Congress.

What were some reasons for the deteriorating situation in Vietnam by the end of 1961?

China supplied North Vietnam, the USSR supported the National Liberation Front, the Viet Cong strengthened, and the ARVN had low morale.

What was Johnson's reaction to diplomatic proposals from North Vietnam?

He rejected them, believing they would lead to a unified and communist Vietnam.

What military campaign did Johnson order after the Viet Cong attack in Pleiku?

Operation Rolling Thunder.

How many ground troops had the U.S. deployed in Vietnam by July 1965?

75,000 ground troops.

What four points were included in North Vietnam's proposal in April 1965?

1. U.S. withdrawal, 2. No military alliances during temporary division, 3. South Vietnam's internal affairs to be settled independently, 4. Peaceful reunification settled by the Vietnamese people.