The U.S. government's commitment to the war wavers over time from "summary" of A Bright and Shining Lie by Neil Sheehan
The U. S. government's commitment to the war in Vietnam was not unwavering. It fluctuated over time, influenced by various factors such as public opinion, political considerations, and military realities. At the beginning of U. S. involvement, there was a sense of optimism and determination to contain the spread of communism. However, as the war dragged on and casualties mounted, doubts began to creep in. The Tet Offensive in 1968 was a turning point that shook the confidence of both the American public and policymakers. The realization that the enemy was more resilient and determined than previously thought led to a reassessment of the U. S. strategy in Vietnam. President Lyndon B. Johnson, who had initially escalated American involvement in the conflict, now faced mounting pressure to find a way out. The election of Richard Nixon in 1968 brought a new approach to the war, emphasizing "Vietnamization" and the gradual withdrawal of U. S. troops. This reflected a shift in the government's commitment, from full-scale military engagement to a more limited and cautious approach. However, even as Nixon pursued peace talks and sought to reduce American casualties, the conflict continued to drag on. The signing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1973 seemed to offer a glimmer of hope for an end to the war. The U. S. government, weary of the conflict and eager to disentangle itself from Vietnam, saw this as an opportunity to withdraw its forces and bring the troops home. However, the peace proved to be short-lived, as the North Vietnamese launched a major offensive in 1975 that ultimately led to the fall of Saigon.- Ebbs and flows. It was a complex and multifaceted issue that reflected the changing dynamics of the conflict and the shifting priorities of those in power. The war wavered over time, shaped by a myriad of internal and external factors that ultimately determined its outcome.
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