Empire 177. The Vietnam War: Lyndon Johnson, Americanisation, and Operation Rolling Thunder
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Aug 14, 2024 
Fredrik Logevall, author of "Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire," delivers insightful commentary on Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency and the Vietnam War. He examines LBJ's immediate struggle with America’s involvement post-JFK and the harrowing impact of Operation Rolling Thunder. The conversation dives into the assassination of President Diem, contrasting leadership styles, and the devastating aerial assaults that led to staggering civilian casualties. Logevall also highlights the generational divide sparked by the war and its lasting effects on American society.
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The Burning Monk
- A Buddhist monk self-immolated in Saigon to protest the Diem regime.
- The photograph of the monk, calmly sitting while engulfed in flames, shocked the world.
Shifting US Support
- The US initially supported Diem but grew concerned about his draconian rule.
- They realized Diem was losing hearts and minds, prompting discussions of a coup.
Drivers of Insurgency
- Vietnamese peasants were not necessarily communists but sought land reform.
- The Catholic Diem regime alienated the largely Buddhist populace, fueling support for the insurgency.