Question
President Lyndon Johnson, speaking to the nation on April 7, 1965
“We do this [escalating U.S. military involvement in Vietnam] in order to slow down aggression. We do this to increase the confidence of the brave people of South Vietnam who have bravely born this brutal battle for so many years with so many casualties. And we do this to convince the leaders of North Vietnam—and all who seek to share their conquest—of a simple fact: We will not be defeated. We will not grow tired. We will not withdraw either openly or under the cloak of a meaningless agreement.”—President Lyndon Johnson
Question
What was the USA approach to the conflict? Use examples from the quote above to suport your answer. (5 points)
“We do this [escalating U.S. military involvement in Vietnam] in order to slow down aggression. We do this to increase the confidence of the brave people of South Vietnam who have bravely born this brutal battle for so many years with so many casualties. And we do this to convince the leaders of North Vietnam—and all who seek to share their conquest—of a simple fact: We will not be defeated. We will not grow tired. We will not withdraw either openly or under the cloak of a meaningless agreement.”—President Lyndon Johnson
Question
What was the USA approach to the conflict? Use examples from the quote above to suport your answer. (5 points)
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The USA's approach to the conflict in Vietnam, as articulated by President Lyndon Johnson in his speech on April 7, 1965, was one of active military engagement and determination to demonstrate resolve against perceived aggression. Johnson emphasized several key points that illustrate this approach:
1. **Escalation of Military Involvement**: Johnson stated, "We do this [escalating U.S. military involvement in Vietnam]" indicating that the United States was committed to increasing its military presence to combat what it viewed as aggression, particularly from North Vietnam.
2. **Support for South Vietnam**: The phrase "to increase the confidence of the brave people of South Vietnam who have bravely borne this brutal battle" highlights the USA's commitment to supporting the South Vietnamese government and its military as they faced continuous conflict against the North. This reflects a strategy aimed at bolstering the morale of South Vietnamese forces and civilians.
3. **Deterrence Against North Vietnam**: Johnson's assertion that the U.S. wanted to "convince the leaders of North Vietnam" that "We will not be defeated" signifies a strategy of deterrence. The U.S. aimed to send a clear message that it would persist in its involvement and would not tolerate further attempts at conquest by North Vietnam.
4. **Resolve Against Withdrawal**: The phrase "We will not grow tired. We will not withdraw either openly or under the cloak of a meaningless agreement" underscores a commitment to a prolonged engagement in Vietnam. This reflects a firm stance against both defeat and any potential negotiations that might suggest a withdrawal without a decisive victory.
In summary, the USA's approach to the Vietnam conflict was characterized by a firm military commitment, an emphasis on supporting South Vietnam, deterrence against North Vietnam, and a clear resolve to remain engaged until a decisive outcome was achieved.
1. **Escalation of Military Involvement**: Johnson stated, "We do this [escalating U.S. military involvement in Vietnam]" indicating that the United States was committed to increasing its military presence to combat what it viewed as aggression, particularly from North Vietnam.
2. **Support for South Vietnam**: The phrase "to increase the confidence of the brave people of South Vietnam who have bravely borne this brutal battle" highlights the USA's commitment to supporting the South Vietnamese government and its military as they faced continuous conflict against the North. This reflects a strategy aimed at bolstering the morale of South Vietnamese forces and civilians.
3. **Deterrence Against North Vietnam**: Johnson's assertion that the U.S. wanted to "convince the leaders of North Vietnam" that "We will not be defeated" signifies a strategy of deterrence. The U.S. aimed to send a clear message that it would persist in its involvement and would not tolerate further attempts at conquest by North Vietnam.
4. **Resolve Against Withdrawal**: The phrase "We will not grow tired. We will not withdraw either openly or under the cloak of a meaningless agreement" underscores a commitment to a prolonged engagement in Vietnam. This reflects a firm stance against both defeat and any potential negotiations that might suggest a withdrawal without a decisive victory.
In summary, the USA's approach to the Vietnam conflict was characterized by a firm military commitment, an emphasis on supporting South Vietnam, deterrence against North Vietnam, and a clear resolve to remain engaged until a decisive outcome was achieved.