LB Lect 17 LBJ Voetnam 11/05

Historical Context of World War II and British Failure

Independent Student's History Paper: Focused on the failure of the British elite to prepare against the rise of Nazi Germany, particularly in rearming.
- Impact on World War II: The failure contributed to the brutalities faced during the war.

Thesis on British Failure at Munich: Kennedy’s historical analysis gains popularity, leading to his recognition as a war hero.
Political Career: Kennedy's attributes (handsomeness, charisma, authorship at a young age) facilitate his ascent as a political force in Massachusetts.
Support for Ngo Dinh Diem:
- Eisenhower's Nationalist and Anti-Communist Stance: Backed by Kennedy and other senators, Diem becomes the leader of South Vietnam due to his promising credentials, including his medical background.
- Criticism of Eisenhower's Policies: Kennedy critiques Eisenhower for being complacent regarding communism, especially post-Sputnik and the Cuban Revolution.

Nuclear Intimidation Fails: Post-Sputnik, the reliance on nuclear deterrence becomes ineffective as the global landscape shifts.
Kennedy's Presidential Campaign:
- Debates and Critiques: Kennedy capitalizes on the perceived weaknesses of Eisenhower and Nixon, leading to his electoral success.

Focus on Communism: Kennedy avoids domestic issues like race in his inaugural address to maintain unity.
NSC 68: He emphasizes a renewal of strategies designed to support governments against communism, advocating for American military assistance in the form of advisors.

Invasion Attempt: The CIA-led invasion of Cuba fails, leaving Kennedy humiliated and prompting him to support covert operations against Fidel Castro, including attempts on Castro's assassination.
Collaboration with the Mafia: The CIA's questionable alliances with organized crime are formed to eliminate Castro.

Diem's Policies: His rigorous anti-Buddhist measures provoke resistance, complicating American support strategies.
Kennedy's Dilemma: The administration struggles to win the hearts and minds of the largely Buddhist South Vietnamese populace.
Support for a Coup: Kennedy ultimately endorses a coup against Diem, acknowledging the necessity of regime change in the face of growing unrest.

Kennedy's Perspective: Condemned French colonial efforts in Vietnam, emphasizing that Vietnamese should be persuaded to defend against communism rather than forced into military reliance.
Military Nationalism: Dependency on military institutions without democracy exacerbates governance challenges in Vietnam.

Fallout from Failure: After the failed invasion, Kennedy tasks his brother, Robert Kennedy, with curating campaigns against Castro and re-evaluating strategies in Cuba.
Warren Commission Findings: Disaffection arises from public perception of the investigation concerning JFK's assassination and the lack of transparency regarding broader covert actions.

US Involvement: Ambassador Lodge signals to coup leaders that recognition will follow their success against Diem, as tensions escalate in Vietnam.
Diem's Assassination: Although not the stated intention, Diem is killed during the coup, reflecting the chaotic nature of the political landscape domestically and in US-Vietnam relations.

Lyndon B. Johnson's Presidency:
- Texas Background: Known for his assertive personality and significant political power.
- Crisis in Vietnam: Johnson inherits a tumultuous situation in Vietnam with political unrest and ineffective military government.
Commitment to Vietnam: Despite rising doubts, he does not repudiate Kennedy's policies and opts to retain existing personnel in critical foreign policy positions.
- Political and Military Pressures: Johnson feels compelled to maintain the fight against communism, leading to historical unease about increasing troop presence and military commitment.

Operational Planning: This strategy devised under General Westmoreland aimed to engage and eliminate expansive VC forces through calculated attack methods.
Consequences of Strategy: Problems arise as civilian populations are drawn into conflict dynamics and native forces lack initiative in offense, creating a mismatch in military efforts.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: Following an alleged attack on US forces, Congress grants Johnson wide powers to conduct military action, essentially opening floodgates for greater US involvement.
Impact on Domestic Politics: Johnson's polling surges coinciding with military actions, reflecting public sentiment and media portrayal of events.

Operation Rolling Thunder: A sustained bombing campaign aims at crippling North Vietnamese capabilities but proves ineffective against guerilla tactics and rapidly replenishing materials.
Military Leadership’s Responses: Officials adapt strategies amidst unexpected resistance levels and the realization of the difficulties presented by Vietnamese terrain and tactics.

Surprise Assaults: Major Vietnamese forces launch coordinated attacks across multiple locations, attempting to disrupt American presence and control.
US Military Response: Johnson’s administration experiences a shift in tactical focus amidst the chaos and military demands for additional troop deployments.

Public Discontent: Assessed reevaluations of policies amid growing anti-war sentiment and disapproval of ongoing military commitments.
Decision Against Re-election: Facing pressure and dwindling public support, Johnson resolves not to pursue another term as president, citing divisions caused by the Vietnam War.
War Assessment: Acknowledges failures and admissions of errors, highlighting the enduring tragedy of misjudgments in the Vietnam conflict.

Continued Conflict and Legacy: The war drags on despite public and political opposition, leaving lasting implications for American foreign policy and domestic life.