To what extent can the growing involvement of the United States in Vietnam in the years if 1950-68 be seen as an ideological crusade against communism?

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Tahmid Akthar        A2 History Lecturer: P Holborrow. Question: To what extent can the growing involvement of the United States in Vietnam in the years if 1950-68 be seen as an ideological crusade against communism? Although there are many different views as to why America got involved into Vietnam such as the economic reasons, the quagmire effect and the stalemate it is very difficult to argue that the Cold War context (ideological) was the most central and fundamental reason as to why this had occurred.  All the presidents during the Vietnam War had different approaches to the war but they all had the Cold War lingering in their minds. USA under Truman had first shown a anti colonial and anti imperialist stance and always retained good relationships with Ho Chi Minh  during the second world war and were very critical of Bao Dai. They were also very close with the impressive General Giap who at a rally once said that America was their friend. However this good feeling was quickly dashed by Ho when he stepped in as leader of Vietnam after overthrowing the playboy emperor Bao Dai with the help of his newly formed Vietminh after he said that America
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were just like France in the fact that they are only looking to reorganise the economy and control it. This reversal in relations was also followed by the events of the end of the Second World War and the beginnings of the cold war as the USA was wary of the spread of communism in Eastern Europe. When America told Chinese forces to take over the north after the Japanese had left and the British to take over the south this decision from Truman left Vietnam in tatters as the Chinese pillaged in the North, Ho declared independence but still ...

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