Understanding the Vietnam War: A Comprehensive Overview

The Vietnam War's roots began post-WWII when the Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, fought French colonial rule. The 1954 Geneva Accords divided Vietnam, setting the stage for the North-South conflict influenced by Cold War tensions.

U.S. support for South Vietnam grew from advisors under Eisenhower to combat troops under Johnson. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964 gave Johnson broad military powers, marking a significant escalation without a formal declaration of war.

General William Westmoreland's strategy focused on attrition, aiming to kill enemy forces faster than they could replenish. This led to intensive bombing campaigns like Operation Rolling Thunder, disregarding the traditional objective of capturing territory.

In 1968, the Viet Cong launched the Tet Offensive during the lunar new year ceasefire. It struck cities across South Vietnam, including the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, shattering American perceptions of an imminent victory.

The Vietnam War was the first 'televised war,' where uncensored battlefield images were broadcasted daily. This unprecedented media coverage played a critical role in shaping public opinion and eroding support for the war effort.

Operation Menu was the covert bombing of Cambodia from 1969 to 1970, targeting North Vietnamese supply lines. This secrecy and the subsequent incursion in 1970 sparked widespread protests, notably the Kent State shootings.

Agent Orange and other herbicides were used by the U.S. for defoliation and crop destruction, causing long-term health issues and environmental damage. It's estimated that 4.8 million Vietnamese were exposed to Agent Orange, with multigenerational effects still observed.

During the Vietnam War, the CIA trained Tibetan guerrillas in Colorado to fight against Chinese influence in Asia, a surprising alliance against a common adversary.