Question

The primary reason that the US decided to enter into the conflict in Vietnam can be explained by the “domino theory.” What is this theory and how does it apply here? Explain in a fully developed paragraph.

The “domino theory” is the idea that…It applies to the conflict in Vietnam because…

Answer 1

The “domino theory” is the belief that if one country in a region comes under the influence of communism, then neighboring countries will also fall to communism like a row of dominoes. This theory guided US foreign policy during the Cold War era, as the US was determined to contain the spread of communism around the world. In the case of the conflict in Vietnam, the US saw the country as a key battleground in the fight against communism during a time when the Cold War was at its peak. The fear was that if South Vietnam were to fall to communism, it would lead to a domino effect in the region, with other countries in Southeast Asia following suit. This belief ultimately led the US to intervene in Vietnam in an effort to prevent the spread of communism and uphold its commitment to the containment policy.