U.S. slow to join war because of growing international resistance to imperialism, recent support for the Viet Minh, and concerns over Soviets in Europe.
After victory of communists in China (1949), then Korean War (1950), U.S. more involved.
“Containment” and “Domino Theory.”
(1949) State of Vietnam: Puppet government, led by Emperor Bao Dai, set up by French and Americans in Saigon.
(1953) Kingdoms of Laos and Cambodia given “independence” under French Union