Vietnam War Project 1 (Causes of Vietnam War)

You are a special aide to President Lyndon Johnson.  President Johnson has received a letter from a thirteen (13) year old teenager.  The teenager’s best friend had an older brother who was killed in combat in Vietnam.  In the letter from the teenager, she asks President Johnson the following question – “Why are American soldiers inSouth Vietnam?” 

President Johnson has asked you to draft his response to the teenager.   The President wants to make sure his response to the teenager justifies American involvement in the war.  Remember your response must include the educational objectives set forth at the end of this assignment.   The year is 1965.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION - Why did the United States decide to involve itself in the conflict which was happening in Vietnam?

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

1.  You will be able to identify the key events which led to the American involvement in Vietnam

2.  You will be able to explain why the United States choose to become involved in Vietnam.

3.  You will be able to describe where a person would find Vietnam on a globe.

 Links to Sources:

(1)  Use this link to find a LETTER from President Eisenhower to President Diem of Vietnam

(2)   This is a link to the CIA WORLD FACT BOOK.  You can use this source to finds maps which will help you locate Vietnam.

 (4)  Use this link to learn about the DOMINO THEORY.

(5)  Gulf of Tonkin Incident.  Use these links to learn about the GULF OF TONKIN INCIDENT and  read President Johnson's ADDRESS to Congress regarding the incident and Congress' response.