Johnson felt the threat of Communism overtaking all of Vietnam could grow into a more powerful hold throughout Asia eventually.
Therefore, stopping Communist encroachment in South Vietnam was, to him, a very dangerous threat that had to be stopped.
Also, we were members of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), and as such promised to defend South Vietnam against outside attacks.
Probably the same reason Kennedy did, to defeat the communist threat in southeast Asia .
He didn't want it to escalate into WWIII.
Johnson
President Johnson believed in the domino theory. He feared a communist takeover in Southeast Asia if the United States left Vietnam. Any other outcome than victory would be an embarrassment.
Lyndon B Johnson
The US had military advisers in Vietnam under Kennedy, but the was did not really start for the US Johnson became President.
President Johnson had not delivered the victory he had repeatedly promised.
During the Cold War, many believed that limiting the spread of Communism was necessary for the security of the United States and its allies.
Any force necessary. Atomic weapons were discussed.
President Johnson believed that the US could defeat north Vietnam because the US had won WWII with firepower, and the US had the most firepower on earth during the Vietnam War.
He feared a communist takeover in Southeast Asia if the United States left Vietnam.
congress
Johnson and Nixon
Johnson.
Johnson and Nixon.
I believe that was Lyndon B. Johnson. America's involvement in Vietnam was limited until he became president. According to Wikipedia, "It was Johnson who began America's direct involvement in the ground war in Vietnam." See the Related Links below for more information.
hi
Johnson
President Johnson believed in the domino theory. He feared a communist takeover in Southeast Asia if the United States left Vietnam.