Questions:
1. We've talked about the development of American foreign policy throughout the Cold War; moving from George Kennan's containment policy to the Truman Doctrine. We've also discussed how Vietnam was divided into 2 countries at the Geneva Conference after the defeat of the French. Those involved in launching American forces into Vietnam, the Kennedy and later Johnson administrations justified this by using the Truman Doctrine. Others have argued that this does not apply, as South Vietnam was a country created by this conflict. Which do you agree with? Does the Truman Doctrine justify our actions in Vietnam?
2. We've also talked about the many difficulties around winning the Vietnam War. The jungle terrain, the Viet Cong, difficulties with Search and Destroy missions, little support on the home front; all of these contributed to the difficulties we face in Vietnam. In your opinion, could the war have been won by the United States, or was South Vietnam destined to be united with communist North Vietnam?