Question

Explain the US Vietnam policy through the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations.

Answer 1

Eisenhower gave military aid to the French as the administration wanted a western presence in the region. French troops started to lose which led to them asking the administration to give them military support, such as airstrikes. The administration decided against an air strike which led to the French garrison surrendering after weeks of siege. Aid and support helped to establish a non communist government in what became south Vietnam. Eisenhower administration emphasized that he did all that was required to stall the dangers of the cold war at home ground.

Under the Kennedy administration aid was also increased to south Vietnam. Troops were deployed to combat the communist insurgents. Kennedy requested that the regime should be liberalized and land reform to be instituted. However these reforms did not go well and the aid proved insufficient in stopping the insurgents. Kennedy was assassinated and Diem was murdered. The next president escalated the war and more troops were deployed.