The Domino Theory (1950s-1980s)
Widely accepted during the 1950s-1980s, the domino theory stated the belief that if one region or state were to fall to communism, that the surrounding regions would begin to succumb as well, creating a domino effect. Articulated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower during a speech in 1954, the domino theory was frequently used by the United States government in order to justify their intervention in other countries during the Cold War.
The domino theory was an important factor in the initial involvement of the United states in Vietnam. With North Vietnam claimed by the communists, the U.S. began to worry if their speculations would come true, which ultimately led to President Eisenhower's lending of assistance to South Vietnam's democratic election in order to help them find a strong leader that might defend them from eventual political appropriation into the northern portion of the country. Following their decision to send military aid to the French in 1950, this was yet another step for the United States in their entrance of Vietnam, and certainly not the only caused by the domino theory.
The domino theory was an important factor in the initial involvement of the United states in Vietnam. With North Vietnam claimed by the communists, the U.S. began to worry if their speculations would come true, which ultimately led to President Eisenhower's lending of assistance to South Vietnam's democratic election in order to help them find a strong leader that might defend them from eventual political appropriation into the northern portion of the country. Following their decision to send military aid to the French in 1950, this was yet another step for the United States in their entrance of Vietnam, and certainly not the only caused by the domino theory.