Support for American involvement in Vietnam primarily came from government officials, military leaders, and those who believed in the policy of containment aimed at preventing the spread of communism. This included President Lyndon B. Johnson and his administration, who viewed the conflict as essential to maintaining U.S. credibility and preventing a domino effect in Southeast Asia. Additionally, some segments of the American public, particularly those who were influenced by Cold War ideologies, also supported military engagement.
The Truman administration initially provided support to the French colonial forces in Vietnam during the First Indochina War, marking the U.S.'s first significant involvement in the region. Eisenhower escalated this involvement by implementing the "Domino Theory," providing military and economic aid to South Vietnam and increasing the number of American military advisors. Under Kennedy, U.S. involvement deepened with the commitment of thousands of advisors and special forces, as well as the support of counterinsurgency tactics against the Viet Cong. This laid the groundwork for the significant escalations that would occur under the Johnson administration.
The 1949 communist victory in the Chinese Civil War heightened American fears of the spread of communism in Asia, leading to the "domino theory," which posited that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow. This belief prompted the U.S. to increase its support for anti-communist regimes in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Consequently, the U.S. escalated its military and financial involvement in Vietnam to prevent a communist takeover, ultimately leading to deeper engagement in the Vietnam War.
President Johnson used the Gulf of Tonkin incident to deepen American involvement in Vietnam. And as early as February 1965, U.S. planes began to bomb North Vietnam. American troop strength in Vietnam increased to more than 180,000 by the end of the year and to 500,000 by 1968. ChaCha!
American involvement in Vietnam can be seen as an extension of the Truman Doctrine, which aimed to contain communism globally. The U.S. believed that if Vietnam fell to communism, it would trigger a domino effect in Southeast Asia, threatening other nations. Consequently, the U.S. supported the South Vietnamese government against the communist North, viewing this as a necessary step to uphold the principles of the Truman Doctrine and prevent the spread of communism. This commitment ultimately escalated into a prolonged military engagement.
The 1949 communist victory in the Chinese Civil War heightened American fears of the spread of communism in Asia, leading to a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy in the region. This event contributed to the belief in the "domino theory," which posited that if one country in Southeast Asia fell to communism, others would follow. Consequently, the U.S. increased its support for the French colonial efforts in Vietnam and later for the South Vietnamese government, ultimately escalating its involvement in the Vietnam War to contain the perceived communist threat.
a member of the army of the republic of Vietnam
Well considering it was in Vietnam and thousands of U.S. troops died, i would have to say the United States and Vietnam fought in the Vietnam War. Although, there was still a little involvement from the french but that was very limited. In addition to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia had limited involvement while supporting the North Vietnamese.
President Johnson used the Gulf of Tonkin incident to deepen American involvement in Vietnam. And as early as February 1965, U.S. planes began to bomb North Vietnam. American troop strength in Vietnam increased to more than 180,000 by the end of the year and to 500,000 by 1968. ChaCha!
The U.S. felt that it would ruin their economy
He had been against American involvement before becoming president. He felt that taking out troops would be a defeat for the United States.
The U.S. feared that Vietnam would vote for a communist government.
If you mean an AMERICAN that favored the U.S.'s involvement in Vietnamese war, those would be called Nationalists. Nationalist: A person who advocates independence for a country A person with strong patriotic feelings, especially one who believes in the superiority of their country over others'.
Communists would take over South Vietnam
The biggest battles were fought from 1962 to 1975. Smaller battles occurred prior to '62.
Feared that Vietnam would vote for a Communist government.
GEN Westmoreland stated to the president, that he could get the job done; but he'll need more men. Next year, more men. Next year, more men. Next year...to prevent communism from spreading in Southeast Asia
Vietnamization