Domino Theory
1) Who are the characters in this cartoon?
2) What do the dominos represent? What would their falling down represent?
3) Why is the man on the left trying to keep the dominos from falling?
4) According to the artist, what would happen if the Vietnam domino falls?
5) Why did many in America feel this was a strong reason for Americans to fight in Vietnam? Why did many feel it was not a good reason?
6) How did the view expressed here shape American foreign policy?
"Our policy in southeast Asia has been consistent and unchanged since 1954. I summarized it on June 2 in four simple propositions: America keeps her word. Here as elsewhere, we must and shall honor our commitments. The issue is the future of Southeast Asia as a whole. A threat to any nation in that region is a threat to all, and a threat to us. Our purpose is peace. We have no military, political, or territorial ambitions in the area. This is not just a jungle war, but a struggle for freedom on every front of human activity. Our military and economic assistance to South Vietnam and Laos in particular has the purpose of helping these countries to repel aggression and strengthen their independence."
- President Johnson's Message to Congress August 5, 1964
Document Based Questions
1) Who is the speaker and the intended audience?
2) What is the tone of his message?
3) What is the main idea?
4) How did the speaker explain America’s involvement in Vietnam?
5) Why would some people find his reasons difficult to accept?
6) How did the Containment policy impact the speaker’s thinking?
7) Do you think that the spread of communism in Asia should have been a concern worthy of US military action? Why or why not?
- President Johnson's Message to Congress August 5, 1964
Document Based Questions
1) Who is the speaker and the intended audience?
2) What is the tone of his message?
3) What is the main idea?
4) How did the speaker explain America’s involvement in Vietnam?
5) Why would some people find his reasons difficult to accept?
6) How did the Containment policy impact the speaker’s thinking?
7) Do you think that the spread of communism in Asia should have been a concern worthy of US military action? Why or why not?