Johnson's policy in Vietnam

Question 1

When did Johnson become US president?

Answer 1

November 1963

Question 2

What was the term known as a situation in which the USA would have direct control of the conduct of the war?

Answer 2

‘Americanised’
-Johnson wanted to avoid in Vietnam

Question 3

What strategy did Johnson agree to implement in January 1964 in Vietnam?

Answer 3

OPLAN 34A
-Covert action ‘progressively escalating pressure… to inflict increasing punishment upon North Vietnam’

Question 4

How did three of Johnson’s beliefs influence continued US involvement in Vietnam?

Answer 4

-Extremely patriotic and had a firm belief in superiority of US military
-Believed in the domino theory
-Continuation of involvement was a question of national honour

Question 5

How did the assassination of Kennedy impact Johnson’s continuation in Vietnam?

Answer 5

-Johnson opposed greater US involvement in Vietnam as Vice President
-When Kennedy was assassinated, Johnson motivated by guilt of his loss to continue with Kennedy’s policies

Question 6

How did Johnson’s advisers impact Johnson’s continuation in Vietnam?

Answer 6

-Retention of key advisers (e.g McNamara, Rusk) meant there was a lack of fresh thinking in Vietnam
-Johnson surrounded himself with advisers that simply agreed with him

Question 7

How did Johnson’s honour impact Johnson’s continuation in Vietnam?

Answer 7

Did not want to be the first president to lose a war