History As It Happens
Episode: Defeat in Vietnam: Origins
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host: Martin DeCaro
Guest: Frederick Logevall, Lawrence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs, Harvard University
Introduction
In this episode of History As It Happens, host Martin DeCaro engages in a comprehensive discussion with renowned historian Frederick Logevall to explore the origins of the United States' defeat in the Vietnam War. The conversation delves into the complex interplay of domestic doubts, international pressures, and pivotal decisions that led to one of the most significant military and political failures in American history.
Early U.S. Involvement in Vietnam
The origins of American involvement in Vietnam trace back to post-World War II, particularly following the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in April 1945. Initially, Roosevelt opposed colonialism and the return of French control over Indochina, a stance that shifted under his successor, Harry Truman. Truman's administration faced the challenge of balancing support for decolonization with maintaining strong Franco-American relations amidst the burgeoning Cold War tensions.
Notable Quote:
Lyndon Johnson: "It’s their war. They’re the ones who have to win it or lose it."
[00:34]
Decision Making and Domestic Doubts
Frederick Logevall highlights the significant misgivings within the U.S. government regarding the Vietnam conflict. Doubts existed about both the winnability of the war and the necessity of American intervention. These uncertainties were present in the Oval Office, among senior Democrats in the Senate, and within influential segments of the American press.
Notable Quote:
Martin DeCaro: "You can be a pessimist about a given military intervention and nevertheless conclude that it's necessary for us to try to do this."
[01:43]
The Gulf of Tonkin Incident and Resolution
A turning point in U.S. involvement occurred on August 4, 1964, when North Vietnamese gunboats reportedly attacked U.S. ships in the Gulf of Tonkin. Although the second attack was later revealed to be a phantom, President Lyndon B. Johnson leveraged this incident to obtain the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution from Congress, granting him broad authority to escalate military action in Southeast Asia.
Notable Quote:
John F. Kennedy: "Have today required me to order the military forces of the United States to take action in reply."
[03:29]
Lyndon Johnson's Ascendancy and Policy Decisions
With the passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, Johnson committed to a strategy aimed at sustaining a non-communist South Vietnam. Despite his private doubts about the war's viability, Johnson's public stance was resolute in preventing South Vietnam from falling to communism, driven by both Cold War ideologies and domestic political considerations.
Notable Quote:
Lyndon Johnson: "We are prepared to continue to assist them. But I don't think that the war can be won unless the people support the effort."
[36:39]
The Role of U.S. Advisors and Public Opinion
By 1963, approximately 16,000 American advisors were present in Vietnam, a significant increase that underscored the deepening U.S. commitment. However, public awareness and concern remained limited. The American press began to pay more attention, but widespread public engagement or pressure for intervention was minimal.
Notable Quote:
Martin DeCaro: "I don't think there's an exception to what I'm about to say to a person. Those reporters arrived in South Vietnam supportive of the US Commitment."
[35:07]
Humphrey's Opposition and Diplomatic Failures
Vice President Hubert Humphrey, alongside his aide Tom Hughes, articulated strong opposition to escalating the war. In a pivotal memo dated February 1965, Humphrey warned Johnson that further intervention would divide the Democratic Party and harm Johnson's political standing. Despite these warnings, Johnson proceeded with sending Marine troops to Da Nang, marking the beginning of significant U.S. military escalation.
Notable Quote:
Hubert Humphrey (as summarized by Frederick Logevall): "Don't do this. If you do, you're going to divide the Democratic Party, you're going to divide the American people."
[57:40]
Escalation and the Decision to Send Marines
In March 1965, Johnson authorized the deployment of Marine Corps units to defend the Da Nang airfield. This decision represented a strategic move to increase American involvement while attempting to limit immediate political backlash. Johnson aimed to balance the need for military support with the desire to avoid over-commitment, a path he hoped would offer a middle ground.
Notable Quote:
John F. Kennedy: "Once you're committed, you can't get out."
[41:05]
Conclusions and Lessons from Vietnam's Defeat
The episode concludes with reflections on the enduring lessons of the Vietnam War. Both DeCaro and Logevall emphasize the importance of distinguishing between core and peripheral national interests, a challenge that remains relevant in contemporary foreign policy. They suggest that understanding the complexities and miscalculations of the Vietnam era can aid future policymakers in making more informed and conscientious decisions.
Notable Quote:
Frederick Logevall: "If you allow one country to fall, fall to communism, then pretty soon the other countries around that nation will also fall."
[16:53]
Final Thoughts
History As It Happens provides an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted origins of the Vietnam War, highlighting the intricate balance between strategic imperatives, domestic politics, and international relations. Through the expertise of Frederick Logevall, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how a series of pivotal decisions and underlying doubts culminated in a protracted and ultimately unsuccessful American intervention.
Upcoming Episodes:
Stay tuned for the next installments of this three-part series:
- Part Two: Defeat in Vietnam: Resistance
- Part Three: Defeat in Vietnam: Consequences for U.S. Foreign Policy
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