Final answer:
Kennedy aimed to contain Communism with Special Forces and covert actions, fearing a loss in Vietnam could hurt his reelection. Johnson escalated U.S. presence due to the domino theory and political pressures, committing more troops and bombings to seek military victory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing Kennedy's and Johnson's Vietnam War Motivations
Both President Kennedy and President Johnson escalated U.S. military involvement in Vietnam, though their motivations and strategies differed. Kennedy viewed Vietnam as crucial to containing Communism and believed that Special Forces and covert operations could be the key to success. He feared that giving up territory to the Communists would affect his chances of reelection and continued Eisenhower's policy of supporting South Vietnamese forces with additional troops serving as military advisers, while also engaging in secretive operations.
Johnson, on the other hand, was motivated by the domino theory, fearing that if Vietnam fell, neighboring countries would follow. He was also influenced by political concerns of appearing soft on Communism and under his presidency, the U.S. dramatically increased its troop presence in Vietnam and authorized significant bombing campaigns. Despite growing antiwar sentiment, Johnson maintained a commitment to a military victory throughout his presidency, approving operations and policies like OPLAN 34A-64 and NSAM 288 that indicated a hope to strengthen U.S involvement in Vietnam rather than withdraw.