VIETNAM WAR (1965-75) Part 1

This Article aims at carrying out an analytic study of the Vietnam War with a view to drawing pertinent lessons, with particular reference to the following:

(a) Introduction

(b) Cause of War

(c) Analysis of international, regional and national situations

(d) Major events and the timeline

(e) Preparation of war, attack plan and description of main battles

(f) Social, economic, political, diplomatic and administrative aspects

(g) Outcome of the war from military perspective

(h) Analysis of success  and failure of war from the principles of war perspective

(a) INTRODUCTION

 

 The Vietnam War was a significant armed conflict that took place from the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. It was fought between the communist forces of North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the non-communist forces of South Vietnam, which had the backing of the United States and other anti-communist nations.

The roots of the Vietnam War can be traced back to the early 20th century when Vietnam was a French colony known as French Indochina. The desire for Vietnamese independence grew, leading to the formation of the Viet Minh, a communist-dominated nationalist movement led by Ho Chi Minh. Following World War II and the defeat of the Japanese occupation, the Viet Minh sought to establish a unified and independent Vietnam.

The conflict escalated in the 1950s when the United States became involved in the region due to its Cold War policy of containing the spread of communism. The United States supported the South Vietnamese government, which was seen as an ally in the fight against communism. The North Vietnamese, backed by the Soviet Union and China, aimed to reunify the country under communist rule.

The war was characterized by guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the communist forces, while the United States and South Vietnam relied heavily on conventional military strategies. The U.S. involvement increased over time, with the deployment of ground troops, aerial bombings, and the use of chemical herbicides like Agent Orange.

The conflict was highly controversial, both domestically and internationally. Opposition to the war grew in the United States, leading to widespread protests and social unrest. The war also had a profound impact on the Vietnamese population, resulting in significant casualties, displacement, and the destruction of infrastructure.

As the war progressed, the North Vietnamese forces gained strength, and the United States faced mounting difficulties in achieving its objectives. In 1973, the Paris Peace Accords were signed, leading to the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam. However, fighting between the North and South Vietnamese forces continued. In 1975, the North Vietnamese launched a major offensive that resulted in the fall of Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, and the reunification of the country under communist rule.

The Vietnam War had far-reaching consequences. It led to the deaths of millions of people, including soldiers and civilians from both sides. It also had a profound impact on U.S. foreign policy, prompting a reevaluation of military interventions and the "domino theory" that guided Cold War strategy. The war remains a contentious and divisive topic, raising questions about the morality and effectiveness of armed intervention and the cost of war.

(b) CAUSE OF WAR

Here are some key elements that contributed to the outbreak of the conflict:

1. Colonial Legacy: Vietnam had been under French colonial rule since the late 19th century as part of French Indochina. The desire for independence and self-determination grew among the Vietnamese population, leading to nationalist movements and resistance against French rule.

2. World War II and Japanese Occupation: During World War II, Japan occupied Vietnam, weakening French control. The Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, emerged as a dominant force and fought against the Japanese. This period fueled Vietnamese nationalism and aspirations for independence.

3. Cold War Dynamics: After World War II, the world became divided into two ideological blocs, with the United States leading the capitalist West and the Soviet Union supporting communist movements. The Cold War rivalry shaped the global geopolitical landscape, and the United States viewed the spread of communism as a threat to its interests.

4. Domino Theory: The "domino theory" was a prevailing belief in U.S. foreign policy at the time, suggesting that if one country in a region fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow suit, creating a domino effect. This theory influenced U.S. policy decisions regarding Vietnam.

5. Geneva Accords and Division of Vietnam: In 1954, the Geneva Conference was held to resolve the conflict in Indochina. The agreement resulted in the temporary division of Vietnam along the 17th parallel, with Ho Chi Minh's communist government in the north and a pro-Western government in the south.

6. South Vietnamese Government and NLF: The South Vietnamese government, led by President Ngo Dinh Diem, faced various challenges, including corruption, repression, and a lack of popular support. The National Liberation Front (NLF), also known as the Viet Cong, was a communist guerrilla movement that opposed the South Vietnamese government and sought reunification with the north.

7. U.S. Involvement and Containment Policy: The United States began providing military and economic assistance to the South Vietnamese government in its fight against the NLF and the communist forces. This support was part of the U.S. policy of containment, aiming to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

8. Gulf of Tonkin Incident: In 1964, the Gulf of Tonkin incident occurred when U.S. naval vessels were allegedly attacked by North Vietnamese patrol boats. This event led to the passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which gave U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson broad powers to escalate military involvement in Vietnam.