1. Kennedy's Approach:
- Gradual Escalation: Kennedy adopted a policy of gradual escalation, committing more troops and resources to support South Vietnam.
- Special Forces Training: He expanded the training of South Vietnamese forces by U.S. military personnel.
- Counterinsurgency Strategy: The focus shifted towards improving counterinsurgency tactics and rural development programs to win over the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people.
2. Transition to Johnson:
- After Kennedy's assassination in 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson became president.
- Johnson initially continued the policies implemented by Kennedy.
3. Gulf of Tonkin Incident:
- In August 1964, the USS Maddox, a U.S. destroyer, was allegedly attacked in the Gulf of Tonkin by North Vietnamese torpedo boats.
- The result was the passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution by the U.S. Congress, giving President Johnson broad authority to escalate U.S. military involvement in Vietnam.
4. Escalation under Johnson:
- After the Gulf of Tonkin incident, Johnson significantly escalated the war effort.
- The number of U.S. troops in Vietnam skyrocketed, reaching over 500,000 at the peak.
- Heavy bombing campaigns, known as "Operation Rolling Thunder," were launched against North Vietnam.
5. Search and Destroy Missions:
- U.S. forces implemented search-and-destroy missions against Viet Cong guerrillas in South Vietnam.
- These operations caused widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
6. Public Opposition Grows:
- As the war intensified and the draft was expanded under Johnson's administration, public opposition to the war grew stronger in the United States.
- Anti-war demonstrations and activism became prominent.
7. Changing Objectives:
- The objective of U.S. involvement shifted from solely supporting South Vietnam to achieving a negotiated settlement with North Vietnam.
In summary, the Kennedy administration marked a gradual escalation of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, with emphasis on training and counterinsurgency efforts. Johnson's presidency brought about a significant escalation of military forces, including the introduction of large-scale combat troops, extensive bombing campaigns, and an expansion of the war's objectives. The escalating involvement fueled growing opposition back home and brought the war in Vietnam to the forefront of American politics and society.
