The First Draft Lottery Since World War II: December 1, 1969
1969 · Washington, D.C., United States
The first draft lottery in the United States since World War II was held, as part of the conscription process for the Vietnam War.
July 27, 1964: US Escalation in Vietnam War
On July 27, 1964, the United States took a significant step in escalating its involvement in the Vietnam War by sending an additional 5,000 military advisers to South Vietnam. This move was part of the broader U.S. strategy to combat the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, aligning with the policy of containment that characterized American foreign policy during the Cold War.
Context
Background of U.S. Involvement: Prior to this escalation, the United States had been gradually increasing its military and political presence in Vietnam since the late 1950s. The U.S. viewed the situation in Vietnam as a critical front in the fight against communism following China’s fall to communism and the Korean War.
South Vietnam’s Political Instability: By 1964, South Vietnam was struggling with significant political instability, marked by frequent changes in leadership and coups. The U.S. aimed to support the South Vietnamese government in stabilizing the region.
North Vietnamese Aggression: North Vietnamese forces, supported by the Soviet Union and China, were intensifying their efforts to unify Vietnam under a communist regime, escalating conflicts in the region.
Deployment Details
Role of the Advisers: The newly deployed military advisers were tasked with training South Vietnamese forces and providing tactical support. Their mission aimed at bolstering the combat capabilities of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN).
Significance of the Deployment: This deployment marked a transition from advisory roles to a more prominent military intervention. Although not direct combatants, the presence of U.S. military personnel was seen as a prelude to deeper involvement.
Consequences
Escalation of U.S. Involvement: The decision to send more advisers was one in a series of actions that would eventually lead to full-scale military intervention, culminating in the deployment of combat troops in 1965.
Increased Hostilities: This escalation contributed to an increase in hostilities between North and South Vietnam, drawing more international attention and involvement.
Public Opinion and Policy: Within the United States, the increasing number of military advisers and resources dedicated to Vietnam started to raise questions and criticisms among the American public and policymakers regarding the efficacy and ethics of U.S. involvement.
The decision to send additional advisers on July 27, 1964, was a critical moment in the trajectory of the Vietnam War, highlighting the growing commitment of the United States to the conflict and setting the stage for the vast expansion of American military efforts in the years that followed.