The US supplied the French with weapons and equipment in their fight AGAINST communism. The Viet Minh (Vietnamese Communists) were supported by the Soviets and Red Chinese.
There were 3 wars involving Vietnam in the 20th Century: 1. Guerilla warfare against the Japanese during WWII (1941-1945), with US assistance. 2. The French Indochina War (1946-1954); French Vietnam War. 3. The US Indochina War (1961-1973); US Vietnam War.
The First Indochina War or the French-Indocina War.
More war. Before the Vietnam War, there was the other Vietnam War (French Indochina War, aka 1st Indochina War). Before that war, there was WWII. So, they had about 3 wars straight for 35 years.
The Growth of communism The domino theory The cold war The French loosing control of Vietnam (the French were an ally of the American) The belief that communism was an international conspiracy
Vietnam was at war with France before the US intervened in the sixties. In fact, they defeated the French in 1956 and became independent, but divided into North Vietnam and South Vietnam. The Vietnam war the US was in was the result of the North and their communist sympathizers in the South (the Viet Cong) trying to unite the country under communism. When the US pulled out in 1975, they were successful.
The French fought the 1st Indochina War (1946-1954). (Also known as the French-Vietnam War). The US fought the 2nd Indochina War (1961-1973). (Also known as the US-Vietnam War)
The French Vietnam War was 1946-1954 (also known as the 1st Indochina War). The US Vietnam War was 1961-1973 (also known as the 2nd Indochina War).
Vietnam was a French colony. The people went to war with France to gain their independence.
There were 3 wars involving Vietnam in the 20th Century: 1. Guerilla warfare against the Japanese during WWII (1941-1945), with US assistance. 2. The French Indochina War (1946-1954); French Vietnam War. 3. The US Indochina War (1961-1973); US Vietnam War.
{| |- | The US involvement in Vietnam began in the 60's. The French had been involved in the war for a long time. Vietnam War went forward for a decade. |}
One of the main reasons was to separate the Vietnam War from the French War or French Vietnam War (which is often referred to as the French Indochina War; and lately, the 1st Indochina War). To makes things simple: The French Indochina War and the US (American) Vietnam War, might be the easiest way to remember it.
1946-1954 French War. 1961-1975 US War.
The French and Indian War was the longest US war before 1850.The longest US war in history was the Vietnam War.
The US aided France during the 1st Indochina War, aka French Indochina War, aka the French War.
The First Indochina War or the French-Indocina War.
The French Indochina War most likely led to the (so called) American Vietnam War. Because the French war divided up the country into TWO nations; North & South Vietnams. When the communist led North Vietnam attempted to take over (conquer) South Vietnam... this led to US involvment.
The 20th century Vietnam originated in 1954 as North & South VN; from the 1st Indochina War/aka French Indochina War. The Vietnam of the 21st century originated in 1975; from the 2nd Indochina War/aka American Vietnam War (or US Vietnam War).