USA's international isolation

Role of International Isolation

International Alliances and Support

• Formed in 1954 by the USA to consolidate anti-Communist allies. However, only Thailand and the Philippines from Southeast Asia joined.
• The USA received troops from South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand but not as much support as they had hoped for.

Media Coverage and Propaganda

• Negative media coverage of the war reduced international support and served as fodder for anti-US propaganda.

Economic and Military Aspects

• Due to limited global support, the USA had to supply most of the money and troops, which became increasingly difficult to sustain.
• North Vietnam received significant support from the USSR and China.

Military Power vs. Actual Outcome

• Despite limited global backing, the USA remained a significant military power and should have, in theory, been able to defeat the Communist forces.

Allies Who Refused Support

Britain:

• Had experience in jungle warfare but refused to send troops.

France:

• Also experienced in jungle warfare and had stakes in Indochina but refrained from involvement.

What Support Was Available

South Vietnam, South Korea, Philippines::

• Provided troops and had experience in Southeast Asian climates.

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USA's international isolation

Experience from the Korean War:

• Some U.S. soldiers and commanders had experience fighting in climates similar to Vietnam from the 1950-1953 Korean War.

Conclusion

Although the USA had the military strength to win the Vietnam War, their international isolation limited the resources and strategic experience available to them. This played a role, among other factors, in their defeat.