How Did American Involvement in Southeast Asia Escalate?
1941: The Allies sign the Atlantic Charter, which states their post-war goals. The United States rejects colonialism and supports, at least in theory, the political self-determination of former colonies around the world. After WWII, however, some nations reestablish colonial power despite United States opposition. 1945: Vietnam declares its independence after 100 years of occupation by the Chinese, Japanese, and French. On September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh proclaims Vietnamese independence with a speech reminiscent of Thomas Jefferson’s “Declaration of Independence.” 1949: China, one of the major trading partners of the United States, becomes a Communist state. Many American anti-Communists refer to this event as the “fall” or “loss” of China. 1950: Dean Acheson states that the United States will concentrate on protecting a “Pacific Rim,” extending from Japan to the Philippines, from Communist expansion. The Korean War begins on June 25, 1950. The United States never formally declares war
