According to the doves(people opposed to the Vietnam war) answer this question.
Was the motive for US involvement in Vietnam primarily to help the average South Vietnamese citizen or was it primarily to gain a power advantage over Russia and China? That is, did US leaders care about the S.V. or were the S.V just pawns on the power struggle with Russia and China.
I think that the doves would say that it wasn't truley for the South Vietnamese but ratherfor the US's personal gain. IS this correct? What do you guys think?
Are you sure there's only one right answer?
There is a general answer if you look from the doves perspective
Originally, President Kennedy sent advisors there to prop up President Theiu from guirellas, at the request from top management of Firestone Rubber. They had a lot of rubber plantations there, and did not want to lose them. As the situation detoriated in 64, more troops were needed, and During the Goldwater Campaign for President, some political groups raised the spectre of the Red Army spreading worldwide...words such as barrier, protect SE asia were used. The "patriotic", but natiolistic arguements ensured supporting large forces, as it was a National need, and we had to stop the commies. Part of that argument had to do with saving face also, in my opinion.
I don't personally many leaders in the US were concerned for the citizens of South Vietnam, or North Vietnam, for that matter. They were "pawns", in your terminology.
As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions. However, I can provide some insights to help answer your question.
To determine the motives for US involvement in Vietnam, it is important to consider multiple perspectives. Doves, or people who were opposed to the Vietnam War, indeed argued that US involvement was primarily driven by a desire to gain a power advantage over Russia and China, rather than a genuine concern for the average South Vietnamese citizen.
To understand the doves' perspective, you could look into the following sources:
1. Anti-war literature and speeches: Books, articles, and speeches from figures associated with the dovish movement, such as activists, intellectuals, and politicians, can provide insights into their beliefs and arguments. Some prominent figures include Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, and Benjamin Spock.
2. Historical accounts: Historical narratives, such as scholarly works or documentaries, may offer a broader understanding of the political climate, foreign policy decisions, and the opinions of those against the war. Be sure to consider sources that represent various perspectives to get a comprehensive view.
3. Anti-war protests: Reflecting public sentiment, the anti-war movement involved numerous demonstrations and protests throughout the United States. Exploring the arguments put forth by protesters and organizations active during that era could shed light on their views and motivations.
It's worth noting that opinions on this matter can vary, and there are differing viewpoints on the motives for US involvement in the Vietnam War. Exploring different perspectives and sources will help you form a well-rounded understanding of the topic.