HRY104Chapter29.2B_Lecture_9

Introduction

  • Focus on Lyndon Johnson's foreign policy, particularly the Vietnam War.

  • Vietnam War will continue beyond LBJ’s presidency, significantly escalating during his tenure.

  • LBJ faces much blame regarding the Vietnam involvement.

Historical Context

  • Prior discussion on Johnson's Great Society: war on poverty, civil rights, education spending.

  • Domestic policy as LBJ’s primary priority, with some foreign policy experience from his time as Vice President.

Transition to Presidency

  • LBJ takes over following the assassination of JFK.

  • He inherits a deteriorating situation in Vietnam, marked by political instability.

  • U.S. involvement includes 16,000 military advisers and financial aid to South Vietnam.

Escalation vs. Withdrawal

  • U.S. faces a critical decision: escalate commitment or withdraw forces from Vietnam.

  • South Vietnam is politically unstable and lacks effective leadership.

  • The U.S. re-evaluates its understanding of global communism influenced by the split between China and the Soviet Union.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

  • Events around Gulf of Tonkin give pretext for U.S. military escalation.

  • August 2, 1964: North Vietnamese attack the USS Maddox, which then eludes the attack.

  • August 4, 1964: Alleged second attack leads to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution passing with only two dissenting votes.

    • This resolution empowers the President to use military force without a formal declaration of war.

  • Johnson’s scope of action transforms from adviser to combatant in Vietnam.

Initial Military Actions

  • March 8, 1965: First American Marines land in Da Nang, marking deeper involvement.

  • Bombing campaign "Rolling Thunder" launched against North Vietnam.

  • Tensions escalate with General Westmoreland calling for increased troops on the ground.

Johnson's Strategic Dilemma

  • Daily pressures regarding Vietnam haunt LBJ.

  • He struggles to balance Great Society initiatives with the demands of the war.

  • Major decisions regarding troop commitments revisited, considering the media and public perception.

Role of the Media

  • The Vietnam War becomes the first televised war, influencing public opinion.

  • Graphic coverage belies government optimism around the war effort, especially after events like the Tet Offensive.

The Tet Offensive

  • January 1968: North Vietnam launches Tet Offensive surprising U.S. forces.

  • Heavy fighting ensues, eventually leading to the U.S. and South Vietnam regaining control.

  • Significant casualties raise questions about American victory, weakening public support.

Walter Cronkite's Influence

  • Walter Cronkite, a trusted news anchor, proclaims the war as a stalemate.

  • His assessment echoes growing sentiments against the war and changes perceptions nationwide.

Johnson's Withdrawal from Race

  • With rising opposition and internal party dissent, LBJ announces he will not seek re-election in March 1968.

  • The Vietnam War affects not only Johnson’s presidency but also the Democratic Party's unity.

Long-term Legacy of Vietnam

  • The Vietnam War remains a divisive issue in American history, shaping future foreign policy.

  • The perception of military engagements after Vietnam becomes cautious due to its implications.

Impacts on Johnson's Great Society

  • The Vietnam War strains federal resources and derails many of the Great Society's objectives.

  • Disproportionate impact on African American soldiers and the exacerbation of civil rights issues.

Conclusion: LBJ's Influence

  • While the Great Society aimed to alleviate poverty and promote civil rights, the Vietnam War significantly obstructed progress.

  • Johnson's dual legacy: substantial domestic initiatives hindered by Vietnam, leading to long-lasting debates over government responsibilities and military engagements.