Vietnam War
Pre-Vietnam War
During the time when America was fighting the Civil War, France was conquering land that was rich in profit. However, France was displaced from their economic prosperous external territories when Japan attacked them in WWI. This was a prime opertunity for Ho Chi Minh to form and army and defend their land (or present day Vietnam) from Japan mainly. After the war, they used it to defend themselves from France who wanted their territory back. The United States didn't approve of Franc's plan to take Vietnam back but we also refused to take sides with communistic Ho Chi Minh, leaving us in a strange dilemma.
FranceFrance was extremely focused on winning Vietnam back which put America in a tough position. Of course America and France were allies but we did not want to get into another war. On the other hand, Vietnam had a communist government which America was always fighting against in the world. In the end, we did decided to support France and "go to war" against Vietnam. We sent troops to help France and paid for about 70% of the war on the conditions that if France fails, we would fight for control of Vietnam. France did not this plan but they went along with it.
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Vietnam
Vietnam has had a history of being ruled over by other neighboring powers, the most prominent one being France. France ruled over Vietnam before the 1880's up until WWII when rebel groups ousted France. After that, they continued to conquer land past the 17th parallel, creating a North and South side that did not trust each other. France attempted to reclaim its lost territory but suffered a major loss in the battle at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 against Ho Chi Minh. He ruled over the north communistic side while the south democratic side was ruled by Ngo Dinh Diem.
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The Domino Theory
The Domino Theory was a theory that the United States came up. It suggested that if Vietnam had a victory against America or France, it may lead to communistic victories in Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia as well. That would mean that communism would spread which is exactly what the United States was fighting against.
Two Sides of Veitnam
Viet Cong. |
ARVN |
The Viet Cong was the North side, ruled by ho Chi Minh. They were fighting for communism and would do almost anything it would take to win. They were allied with China who did not actually come into the war (i.e. the Domino effect).
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ARVN (Army of the Republic of Viet Nam) was the South Vietnamese troops that were against communism. America sent troops to support them in the war against the North Vietnamese army who was for communism.
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