How far was USA military involvement in Vietnam during the Presidencies of Kennedy and Johnson the
US military involvement in Vietnam during the Presidencies of Kennedy and Johnson was to some extent the consequence of the policies pursued by the US in the ’50’s. ... This is evident in most of Kennedy’s and Johnson’s polices. ... During the 1950’s the Korean War played a vital role effecting US policy. Vietnam represented a myriad of geopolitical, social and military ideas. Vietnam was one struggle within the Cold War, involving communism, decolonisation and the ‘domino theory’. ... The Korean War had triggered an increased position for the USA in Asia and perhaps changed their stance on the way to fight communism in Asia. ... The USA tried to pour funds into neighbouring countries (like the Truman Doctrine) to try and stop the spread, but this was proving difficult, as it was spreading quickly, as it had the support of the peasants. ... As far as most Republicans were concerned, Truman’s containment policy was failing in Asia. ... When Truman bypassed Congress and went to the United Nations to get support for a military operation in Korea, he was not going beyond his powers. As a member of the UN and signatory to the Charter, the USA could be expected to help a fellow member. ... Taking military action was a further growth in presidential power, which began under Roosevelt and was to be developed still further under Kennedy and Johnson, with dire consequences. ... Korea had shown Truman the necessity of strengthening America’s military position in the Far East. ... The same year, a defence pact was signed between Australia, New Zealand and the USA-the ANZUS Pact. This meant that the USA was now more closely involved in Asian affairs. ... Both military and economic aid was sent to its allies in Japan, the Philippines and Thailand. ... It seemed that military action was no longer ruled out. In fact, the military was deployed more frequently in Asia during the Cold War than in Europe. President Truman not only strengthened America’s military position in Asia, he also strengthened NATO and built bases in North Africa. ... The result of this containment was massive military spending. ... Kennan had thought of containment in primarily political and economic terms, but it was now firmly a military policy. The area of South East Asia, which now covers Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, was taken over by the French Empire in the 19th Century. ... During the Second World War the Vietminh helped the Allies fight against the Japanese. ... As they had helped America against the Japanese, and since America was anti-colonial, Ho Chi Minh hoped the Americans would help them to get independence for Vietnam, but that did not happen. Even though the USA was anti-imperialist, Truman supported France financially, spending $2 billion, which, at its peak was 78% of France’s cost. ... Truman saw the conflict in Vietnam in Cold War terms. ... However, by ignoring the fact that Ho Chi Minh was fighting for his country’s independence, the American always saw Vietnam in Cold War terms, meaning that they dangerously misunderstood the nature of the conflict. ... Also the military capability was up to nearly 2 million, and 250,000 regular soldiers. ... During the period leading up to the surrender the US government had contemplated whether to help. ... Congress made it clear that they would not support involvement, which America’s allies echoed. ... Therefore, he continued Truman’s policy of financial support but also sent 300 US personnel to help France as the Military Assistance Advisory Group.