- The war between Vietnam and US grew out of fear among US policy planners that the victory of the Ho Chi Minh government would start a domino effect—communist governments would be established in other countries in the area.
- They underestimated the for power of nationalism to move people to action, inspire them to sacrifice for their home and family, live under horrific conditions and fight for independence.
- They considered the power of a small country to be too weak to fight the most technologically advanced country in the world.