His/135 Week 5 Assignment Vietnam War

The Vietnam War is one of America’s longest lasting wars beginning in 1955, and lasting until 1975. The United States became involved in the Vietnam War because of its efforts to stop communism in Southeast Asia. The United States feared that if communist took over Southeast Asia it would cause a domino effect around the world. The United States began sending financial aid and military advisors to South Vietnam to help stop a communist takeover. North Vietnam was run by communist leader Ho Chi Minh, and the South had a non-communist government. An election to unify Vietnam would be held in 1955, fearing that Ho Chi Minh would win the elections South Vietnam president Ngo Dinh Diem refused to hold an election that would unify the country. With the support of the United States South Vietnam and North Vietnam began to engage in war. The United States continued its finical support but refused to send troops into Vietnam until 1965. According to History learning site (2010) “In August 1964, the Tongking Incident occurred when two American destroyers were attacked by North Vietnamese gunboats while they were in international waters. In response to this, the American Senate gave Johnson the power to give armed support to assist any country requesting help in defence of its freedom.” In March 1965, America sent the first group of soldiers to South Vietnam. By December 1965, there were 150,000 soldiers stationed in South Vietnam. After the United States involvement many people in America became frustrated, especially college students. Many college students opposed the Vietnam War because of the draft. Students believed that the draft was unfair to the soldiers who were drafted. Many students thought that the draft targeted minorities. Many minorities were put on the frontline to fight against the enemy. The Vietnam War was the first war that received media coverage. Americans could receive a realization of what was going on in Vietnam. Some students opposed the war because