Discuss the reasons for the changing nature of US involvement in Vietnam from 1954 to 1975.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for the changing nature of US involvement in Vietnam during the given period. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence. The changing nature could be interpreted as the amount of involvement as well as the type of involvement. The fear of communism and the containment policy were responsible for limited financial and military support for South Vietnam from 1954 through to 1960. Kennedy (1961–1963) greatly increased the number of military advisors and implemented the strategic hamlet programme. Using the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, Johnson (1963–1968) changed American involvement to combat troops. This Americanization of the war significantly increased the number of US troops. The anti-war movement, the Tet Offensive and the presidential campaign of 1968 led Nixon (1969–1974) to adopt the policy of Vietnamization, decreasing US involvement. Candidates may also discuss the changing nature of strategy from heavy reliance on land forces to increased use of air power because of the anti-war movement and desire to limit US casualties.