USA HISTORY

AMERICAN IMPERIALISM(1890 1919)

THE UNITED STATES IN WORLD WAR I

[SOURCES]
Why did the United States get involved in the Vietnam War?

(A) to create missile silos in North Korea that could reach China

(B) to fulfill the United Nations request to give military aid to South Vietnam

(C) to aid South Vietnam in their invasion of communist North Vietnam

(D) ** to give military aid to South Vietnam and to prevent the spread of communism

EXPLANATIONS BELOW

Concept note-1: -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.

Concept note-2: -The United States supported a military government in the South and the decision of its leader, Ngo Dinh Diem, to prevent free elections which might result in the unification of the country under the control of the Communists.

Concept note-3: -The Domino Theory held that communism would spread if Vietnam became communist. Anti-communist sentiment at home influenced foreign policy views. The Gulf of Tonkin incident appeared to be a provocation for war. As war continued, desire to find an “honorable peace” was motivation to keep troops in Vietnam.

Concept note-4: -Terms in this set (10) Which of the following best explains why the United States sent military aid to South Vietnam in the 1950s? superior firepower.