• 1964 - North and South Vietnam were already in a de facto state of conflict
• After Gulf of Tonkin, USA began direct military intervention in Vietnam.
• US troops sent to fight in Vietnam.
• US allies like Australia, Britain, NZ and South Korea contributed troops
• (1964-1976) Period of direct confrontation between USA and the Viet Cong is known as the Second Indochina War or the Vietnam War
Gulf of Tonkin
• 2 August 1964, North Vietnamese patrol boats attacked the USS Maddox, a US destroyer, in the Gulf of Tonkin.
• The Gulf of Tonkin incident led the United States Congress to take decisive action.
• It passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, giving Johnson the power to take all necessary measures to prevent further aggression and achieve peace and security.
VW Parties Involved
NgoDinhDiem - His corrupt government gave rise to the Viet Cong
The VietCong - Organised insurgency to overthrow Diem and reunite Vietnam. Later fought against USA
Ho & NorthVietnam - Sent men, supplies and equipment to help the Viet Cong in their insurgency.
Mao and China - Supported the Viet Cong
USSR - Supported the Viet Cong
The USA - Supported the Diem regime indirectly. Launched direct military confrontation against Viet Cong after Gulf of Tonkin incident
Internal reasons for VW
Vietnam’s desire for reunification
Ngo Din Diem’s corruption & unpopularity
Rise of the Viet Cong
Support from Communist North Vietnam
External reasons for VW
Cold War Rivalry
USA’s support for Diem and South Vietnam
Johnson’s willingness to be involved in Vietnam
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Rise of
Communist China
China & USSR support for the Viet Cong
Sino-Soviet Split
VW Causes of the conflict
Ngo Dinh Diem’s corrupt regime
Viet Cong’s Insurgency
Ho Chi Minh’s rule in North Vietnam
Division of Vietnam
Cold War Rivalry
Rise of Communist China
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
American support for South Vietnam
Soviet support for the Viet Cong
Johnson’s commitment to Vietnam
Desire of Vietnam’s Independence Vietnamese desire to reunify
