“Compromise Solution for South Vietnam” Presented to the President
Postwar United States (1945 to early 1970s)
Vietnam Compromise
Published By:
Chris D
Historical Era:
Postwar United States (1945 to early 1970s)
Thinking Skill:
Historical Comprehension
Bloom’s Taxonomy:
Analyzing
Grade Level:
High School
Suggested Teaching Instructions
This activity can be used during a unit on the Vietnam War. It would probably be best served as an introduction before it becomes obvious. Some background content knowledge is required: Vietnam geography, guerilla warfare, and US involvements.
Full Document: https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1964-68v03/d40
Additional discussion questions:
Why does Ball doubt that the US forces can defeat the communists?
Why does Ball stress the “Need for a Decision Now?”
Is Ball rejecting the guiding principle of the U.S. Cold War policy which states “that the United States must stop the spread of communism?”
This activity can satisfy:
• 6.1.12.HistoryCC.12.a: Examine constitutional issues involving war powers, as they relate to
United States military intervention in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts.
• 6.1.12.HistoryCC.12.b: Analyze the impact of American governmental policies on
independence movements in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
• 6.1.12.HistoryCC.12.c: Analyze efforts to eliminate communism, such as McCarthyism, and
their impact on individual civil liberties.
To the extent possible under law, Chris D has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “Vietnam Compromise”
Description
In this activity, students will discover the Compromise Solution for South Vietnam as it was outlined by US Under Secretary George Ball and presented to National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy for his “inclusion to the President.” They will analyze why the Vietnam War was uniquely difficult for the US.
