American military escalation in Vietnam (1965-1967)

After July 1965 Americans initiated full-scale military escalation in Vietnam with the aim to enforce government of NorthVietnam and its allies in the South to stop fighting, and start negotiations resulting in preservation of pro-American government of SouthVietnam. American military command executed massive aerial bombardment of the territory of North Vietnam, large ground operationsin the South, and developed various economic, political, and subversive activities in rural areas to legitimize and strengthen the authorityof South Vietnamese government among peasants (s.c. pacification). In a short time Americans were proved that the enemy has nointentions to surrender, and is increasing tempo and scope of battles. Supported by USSR and PRC North Vietnam developed strongantiaircraft defense, provided weapons, equipment, and munitions for its troops transferring to the South. A local operation to suppressnational liberation movement was turning into a broad international conflict fraught with unforeseen consequences. Indefinite fastmilitary victory, growing casualties, and immensely rising cost of the war produced discussions inside administration of L. Johnson.President and his foreign policy advisers were mostly disturbed by the falling support of the public opinion, growing opposition inCongress, and widespread mass antiwar movement comprising various social and political groups of American society. The presidentdemanded to change the course in Vietnam and to propose the strategy of achievement of American goals. Basic contradictions thatwent into open were between civilians in the Department of Defense, led by the Secretary R. McNamara, who insisted on stabilizationof military operations and search for compromise negotiations, and the military demanding unlimited increase in number of troops, moreintensive bombings, and escalation of war into Laos and Cambodia. For reconciling of common position the president agreed to convenethe meeting of prominent political, diplomatic, and military figures holding important positions in previous administrations andappreciated by the president. Their recommendation was quite ambiguous - 'no' to negotiations, but 'no' to further escalation. Instead the''wise men'' suggested to concentrate on propaganda campaign in USA, to rally support of public and congressional opinion, and toconvince Americans in the coming victory and in the ''light at the end of the tunnel''.

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