Why did the US become involved in the conflict in Vietnam?

China had become communist in 1949 and communists were in control of North Vietnam. The USA was afraid that communism would spread to South Vietnam and then the rest of Asia. It decided to send money, supplies and military advisers to help the South Vietnamese Government.

Why did the US military struggle so much during the Vietnam War?

There were a couple of reasons for this. First, the Americans were an invading force, and the Vietnamese were fighting on their own soil. Second, the Americans were not willing to make an all-out commitment to win. The second item is interesting to me.

Why did the US decide to leave Vietnam in 1975?

The Army had to fight in unfamiliar territory, was lacking in moral, were not prepared for the conditions, could not shut down the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and were untrained to respond to guerilla warfare. This combination of disadvantages and the loss of public support led to the United States withdrawing from Vietnam.

How did Vietnam’s landscape and geography create disadvantages for American troops?

How did Vietnam’s landscape and geography create disadvantages for American troops? The jungle was difficult to fight in because it was wet and dense, and it was hard to launch large-scale attacks. Why might the United States have wanted to attack targets in Cambodia?

Who put us in the Vietnam War?

In March 1965, Johnson made the decision—with solid support from the American public—to send U.S. combat forces into battle in Vietnam. By June, 82,000 combat troops were stationed in Vietnam, and military leaders were calling for 175,000 more by the end of 1965 to shore up the struggling South Vietnamese army.

When did the US deploy troops to Vietnam?

March 8, 1965
On March 8, 1965, 3,500 United States Marines came ashore at Da Nang as the first wave of U.S. combat troops into South Vietnam, adding to the 25,000 U.S. military advisers already in place. The US Government deployment of ground forces to Da Nang had not been consulted with the South Vietnamese government.

What happened when the US left Vietnam?

Even before the last American troops departed on March 29, the communists violated the cease-fire, and by early 1974 full-scale war had resumed. On April 30, 1975, the last few Americans still in South Vietnam were airlifted out of the country as Saigon fell to communist forces.

Why did the United States go to war in Vietnam?

Why we went to war in Vietnam. The Cold War soon turned hot in divided Korea and Vietnam. What Americans call the Vietnam War was the second of three wars in Indochina during the Cold War, in which the United States, the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China intervened in shifting patterns of enmity and alliance.

What was the real turning point in the Vietnam War?

The Tet Offensive was the real turning point in the Vietnam War. In 2008, on its 40th anniversary, Alan Woods analysed the events that led to the Vietnam War and the significance of the Tet Offensive in bringing about the defeat of US imperialism, and drew some parallels with Iraq.

What did the Tet Offensive mean to the Vietnam War?

In 2008, on its 40th anniversary, Alan Woods analysed the events that led to the Vietnam War and the significance of the Tet Offensive in bringing about the defeat of US imperialism, and drew some parallels with Iraq. The Vietnamese call it “Chien Tranh Chong My Curu Nuoc” or “The War against the Americans to save the nation.”

How did the North Vietnamese invade South Vietnam?

North Vietnamese troops crossed over the demilitarized zone (DMZ) at the 17th parallel and invaded South Vietnam. The remaining U.S. forces and the South Vietnamese army fought back. Representatives from the four factions of the Vietnam War meet in Paris to sign a peace agreement.