Describe how the American fear of communism and their determination to stop its spread after World War II involved the USA in the Vietnam War.
North Vietnam was allied with China, a communist nation. We were afraid that if North Vietnam took over South Vietnam that the entire country would become communist and that other countries would also fall to communism. It was called the domino effect.
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The American fear of communism and their determination to stop its spread after World War II played a significant role in involving the USA in the Vietnam War. To understand this connection, let's break it down step by step:
1. Context: After World War II, the world was divided into two major power blocs: the capitalist and democratic Western countries led by the United States, and the communist Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union. This ideological divide created a fear of communism within the United States.
2. The Cold War: The intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union that followed World War II was known as the Cold War. It was characterized by the struggle for global influence and the spread of their respective ideologies.
3. Domino Theory: The United States adopted the "domino theory," which asserted that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow like a row of falling dominoes. This theory exemplified the fear that if communism was not stopped, it would spread throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.
4. Communist Threat in Vietnam: Amidst the heightened fear of communism, Vietnam became a focal point. After French colonial rule in Vietnam ended, it was divided into North Vietnam, under communist influence, and South Vietnam, which remained non-communist. The United States began providing military aid to South Vietnam to prevent the spread of communism in the region.
5. Escalation of American Involvement: Over time, the United States' involvement in Vietnam grew. It started with military advisors, then expanded to the deployment of combat troops. The fear of communism spreading and the desire to contain it compelled the U.S. to increase its military presence in South Vietnam.
6. Gulf of Tonkin Incident: In 1964, the Gulf of Tonkin incident further intensified American involvement. North Vietnamese boats reportedly attacked American destroyers in international waters, leading to a resolution that authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to use military force without a formal declaration of war.
7. Escalation into a Full-Scale War: The Vietnam War escalated from there, with the U.S. engaging in a prolonged conflict against the communist forces led by North Vietnam. This conflict lasted for more than a decade, involving massive military deployments, bombings, and ground combat.
In summary, the American fear of communism and the determination to halt its spread after World War II shaped the U.S. policy of containment, which led to increased involvement in Vietnam. The desire to prevent communism from gaining a foothold in Southeast Asia ultimately resulted in the United States committing significant military resources and engaging in a prolonged conflict in Vietnam.