POLITICAL CLIMATE
isabella Masserman
The political climate in the Vietnam War had a lasting impact on America and was a very important part of the war. The involvement in Vietnam began with the United States’ aid to France to help the French keep control and limit communism in Vietnam. During this rise of communism, Ho Chi Minh was a very significant leader in Vietnam in support of communism. He worked with the Vietminh who were in support of communism as well and wanted Vietnam to remain independent. As the communists in Vietnam gained their independence and pushed out Japan and France the United States became more involved in the fight against communism. The United States, specifically Eisenhower during this period, held public support for South Vietnam’s leader, Ngo Dinh Diem. As Kennedy entered office little action still continued to be taken but the support was still there. During his presidency, Kennedy wanted to withdraw troops from Vietnam, but unfortunately was assassinated leading Lyndon B. Johnson to office. With Johnson in office he wanted to increase involvement in the war. Johnson presented to congress the Tonkin Gulf Resolution which allowed him to take more extreme measures in Vietnam. Johnson, with the help of Robert McNamara and Dean Husk, continued to send troops and increase involvement in Vietnam. William Westmoreland, an American commander located in Vietnam, also aided in the increase of involvement by requesting more and more troops. Because the Vietnam War was considered one of the first “televised wars” with the whole world watching, pressure on Johnson and his administration was heightened. Often what the government was telling people was different from the facts about the war. Johnson wanted to keep a positive front for the American people and worked to build the façade that we were winning the war. Despite the hardships, the administration decided to continue on with the war and a draft was implemented. Although during this time, a lot of pressure was put on the government officials because the world was watching and free speech and peace movements were gaining major popularity. Although protests continued, Johnson still held the determination to finish and win this war. Although Johnson also began conflicts among his own administration as many of them also wanted to draw back out of the war. McNamara’s resignation was also a key point in the war reflecting back on the Johnson administration. During the Tet offensive, General Westmoreland declared this politically a victory for the United States. Despite that, the American public did not see it this way as many American lives were still lost. After the resignation of McNamara, Clark Clifford was picked to fill his position and although an original supporter of Johnson’s policies, he later believed that there was no end in sight to the war and many more men will die. The war had a very large impact on politics as the elections approached. The nation was divided and much of the election was based upon the actions candidates wanted to take in Vietnam. President Johnson announced he would not be running for reelection. Possibly the front runner for the democratic party Robert Kennedy, who was in support of taking troops out of Vietnam, was assassinated. The race for presidency was now against Hubert Humphery and Euegene Mccarthy. Although, the election was greatly effected in that many riots and protests broke out in demand that we drawback from the war. In the end, President Nixon was elected and put in office. It was Nixon who began the withdrawal of troops and ended the United States involvement in the war. This war had a lasting impact on politics in America. The war Powers Act was a result which stated that a president must inform congress that he or she has sent troops or forces into a hostile area without the declaration of war. The troops only may remain in said hostile area at a maximum of 90 days without a war declaration.