Why Viet-Nam

Year Published: 1965

Description: Dating to 1965, "Why Viet-Nam" reveals policy, thought, and agendas that supported U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The film follows U.S. advisors and troops in Vietnam, revealing the nature of their work and their experiences, as well as the environments in which they served. It outlines U.S. policy as stated by President Johnson and includes Secretary of State Dean Rusk and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara providing justifications for U.S. involvement, and signaling openness to peace talks. 0:00 A mother's letter questioning US involvement in Vietnam.1:01 A parallel is drawn between Vietnam and the appeasement of Hitler at Munich in 1938.2:13 Haile Selassie's plea to the League of Nations regarding Ethiopia and the annexation of Austria. The consequences of inaction.2:30 The earlier inaction is contrasted with US intervention in the Korean War in 1950.2:53 President Johnson's view that aggression unchallenged is aggression unleashed .3:05 Americans are said to be in Vietnam to fight for freedom, .4:09 The history of US involvement in Vietnam, starting with the French conflict at Dien Bien Phu.5:15 The 1954 Geneva Conference divided Vietnam into North and South 5:43 The exodus of Vietnamese fleeing communist rule in the North 5:56 Increasing US support for South Vietnam .6:31 The division of Vietnam at the 17th parallel in 1954 is compared to the division of Korea.6:51 Ho Chi Minh's communist rule in the North is contrasted with initial peace and free elections in the South.7:42 President Eisenhower pledged economic aid to South Vietnam.8:07 Land reforms in South Vietnam.8:31 The 1955 Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty (SEATO) was signed.8:50 North Vietnam is shown infiltrating the South with agitators and engaging in terror.9:32 North Vietnam's "war of liberation," including violence against anti-communist leaders, is described.9:57 South Vietnam's resources.11:12 President Eisenhower, in 1959, acknowledged the need to defend freedom in Vietnam.12:37 In 1961, South Vietnam requested US aid 13:23 American advisors trained South Vietnamese forces.14:51 American advisor teams also worked to alleviate the suffering of villagers.15:09 Increased US equipment and advisors were necessary to counter growing attacks from the North.16:01 The difficulties of fighting a war with no front lines and a hidden enemy.16:46 The growing combat capability of South Vietnamese forces, aided by American advisors.17:06 The heavy losses suffered by South Vietnam 17:47 In August 1964, North Vietnam expanded the conflict, leading to US military action in the Gulf of Tonkin.18:41 Secretary of Defense McNamara stated the US would respond to aggression.19:00 Evidence of North Vietnamese arms shipments to the Viet Cong 19:35 The US willingness to engage in peace talks .22:47 Hanoi resisting peace talks.22:52 The Chinese communists aimed to dominate Southeast Asia and beyond.24:24 Continued attacks on American air bases and other installations by North Vietnam.24:43 The Viet Cong's terror campaign, including the bombing of the American embassy in Saigon.25:59 President Johnson stated that most non-communist Asian nations could not resist Asian communism alone.26:25 US commitment to convince communists that they cannot win.26:37 General Westmoreland's request for more troops 26:54 US Marine Corps combat units deployed. 28:01 The suffering of innocent civilians, particularly children, is highlighted.28:27 The future of Southeast Asia depended on the US.28:34 The difficulty of sending young Americans to war is acknowledged.29:11 The U.S. had to resist aggression.29:30 A parallel is drawn between appeasement in Munich and the need to stand firm in Vietnam.29:45 US commitment to defend South Vietnam, made by three presidents.30:12 Sacrifices made by the South Vietnamese people and the US obligation to honor its commitment.30:39 The film concludes by stating why America was in Vietnam.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVUIml_V_Mg

Metadata Source:YouTube