Explain why the USA became increasingly involved with the war in Vietnam

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Explain why the USA became increasingly involved with the war in Vietnam

Although there are no specific, reasons as to why the USA became increasingly involved in the war, I can name many different reasons and aspects as to why they did. These reasons all link together in some way. These reasons range from long term to short term, and from financial, to political, and finally to full scale war.

        The origins of involvement can be traced back to the 19th century when the French had added a huge part of South East Asia to their already growing empire, this area was known as “Indo-China”. During the Second World War Japanese troops occupied this area, and it was ruled by the Japanese. The population if Indo-China didn’t like being ruled by foreigners so resistance groups were set up, the most important of these groups being the Viet Minh, who were a communist resistance group led by Ho Chi Minh. On August 15, 1945 Japan surrendered Indo China and South Vietnam was declared an independent republic. World War Two was over, but the longest was of the 20th Century was about to begin, the war in Vietnam.’

        The reasons for Americas initial involvement in Vietnam date back to 1946 and the start of the cold war, between the two superpowers of the world (communist Russia and capitalist America). America had started to become very scared of Communism, as the spread of it would completely destroy their countries economy. Later in 1946 during the cold war America were in fear of the spread of communism in South East Asia (the Viet Minh and Ho Chi Minh), and America pledged that they would help any country in threat of communism to stop communism “spreading”, this was known as Truman’s “containment” policy The French were the first to seek this “aid” from America, who aided France with $2 billion to help France defeat Communism in the north, and to put a stop to Ho Chi Minh and the Vietminh. Also In 1949 China became Communist and Russia tested their first nuclear bomb. This was important because it meant that China could become another communist superpower and communism now had nuclear weapons.

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        By continuing to aid France the USA started to become more and more involved with the issues in Vietnam. The French needed to end the war as quickly as they could but even with massive financial support from the USA, they were defeated at Diem Bien Phu when the Vietminh put up huge resistance. France then decided to pull out. This lead to the USAs increasing involvement as France were no longer fighting the Vietminh so the USA had to take over to defeat communism to stop it spreading.

        Peace talks were then held in Geneva and a peace ...

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