Vietnam

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Operation Rolling Thunder:

Response to attack on US barracks & helicopter base in Pleiku (Feb, 1965).

Bombing campaign ('65-'68).

Marked the start of Americanisation & escalation in Vietnam.

7th April, 1965: Johnson's John Hopkins University speech.

Speech said the US were in Vietnam to defend SV's independence, strengthen world order. They were acting with God (referred to the Bible) & did not intend to back down or lose.

Johnson: "meaningless agreement" = not consider diplomacy.

First aggressive action in Vietnam.

North Vietnam's 4-Point Proposal:

1. US must withdraw troops from SV (in accordance with Geneva Accords).

2. Neither NV or SV can have a military alliance with a foreign power, during the temporary division (in accordance with Geneva Accords).

3. SV's internal affairs must be settled by the SV people, including the NLF, without external interference.

4. Peaceful reunification must only be settled by the people of both zones.

Response to Johnson's speech (& Operation Rolling Thunder) (8th April, 1965).

Johnson rejected this proposal (feared a unified, communist Vietnam).

Johnson was not prepared to be diplomatic.

Johnson's Response:

In response, Johnson order 2 marine battalions, 1 air squadron & 20,000 troops to Vietnam.

June, 1965: 75,000 ground troops.

Late 1965: 184,310 ground troops.

NV saw this as

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