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.