The Origins Of The Vietnam War (origins Of Modern Wars)

This study examines the origins of the Vietnam War itself, going back to the nature of French colonial rule in the early 20th century. It investigates the original conflict between France, as well as the United States, and the forces of Vietnamese nationalism and communism. It argues that it was probably a mistake for the United States to internationalize the war in 1954 and it discusses the American commitment to the war, directed as much against China as against North Vietnam and the ideological hostility to communism. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Editor's Foreword Preface and Acknowledgements Map Prologue Chapter 1. Ho Chi Minh and the French: National Communism? 1920-1946 The nature of French colonial rule The influence of Japan and China on Vietnamese nationalism Ho Chi Minh Abortive revolution Patriotism and the peasantry China and the United States: sponsors of Vietnamese independence The Japanese coup The August revolution Conflict in the south Freedom and the French Union Agreement or disagreement? Flashpoints Chapter 2. Acheson and the entangling alliance: 1946-1952 The inclination to intervene: hope of a negotiated settlement The French connection Division in the State Department? A communist offensive in South-East Asia? The Chinese connection No alternative: the Bao Dai solution Aid to Indo-China The Melby-Erskine Mission The Chinese shadow One war? De Lattre's comet Chapter 3. Dulles at the brink: 1952-1954 Replacing the French Identifying the target Visions of victory Congressional interests War plans Dien Bien Phu and the question of intervention Bluff? China: the sufficient cause? The British obstacle The case for intervention No acceptable settlement Chapter 4. The Ashes of Geneva: 1954 Intervention still an option The United States v. China Mendès France arrives A salvage operation Seven conditions for a settlement Ngo Dinh Diem An imposed agreement Curiosities of the Final Declaration Elections and responsibilities Chapter 5. Diem and the National Liberation Front: 1954-1960 The status of South Vietnam Sponsored opportunity Sympathy for Diem Doubts and commitment The Collins mission 'A synthetic strong man' Diem on the rocks A reprieve Advisers and critics South Vietnam as an American dependency 'Adverse trends' Emergence of the NLF Decision in Hanoi Chapter 6. Kennedy's Frontier: Wars of National Liberation: 1961-1963 Laos Khrushchev's challenge? Kennedy's commitment Johnson goes to Vietnam Pragmatic resolve and limited partnership Rusk and McNamara agree Kennedy's doubts Counter-insurgency Strategic hamlets Irreducible optimism The problem of Diem The coup Chapter 7. Johnson's Choice: 1963-1965 The Khanh coup Debate and decision in Hanoi 'The most critical situation' War plans Tonkin Gulf How to help the South 'Off to the races' Was the US at war? The point of no return Consensus Conclusion Sources and Further Reading Index This volume in the "Origins of Modern Wars" series concerns the opening days of the Vietnamese conflict. The author examines the nature of French colonial rule in Vietnam, nationalism and liberation groups, the influence of Chinese communism and Vietnam's diplomatic relations with other countries. Anthony Short. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 332-335).