Answer:
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. strategy was influenced by the policy of containment, aiming to prevent the spread of communism. President Eisenhower supported the South Vietnamese government and provided economic and military aid. Later, under President Kennedy, the U.S. escalated its involvement by sending military advisors. Subsequently, President Johnson significantly increased troop levels.
Soldiers in Vietnam experienced harsh conditions, facing guerilla warfare and an unfamiliar environment. The jungle terrain and elusive enemy tactics made the conflict challenging, contributing to soldiers' physical and psychological hardships.
Public sentiment at the war's end was markedly different from previous conflicts. The Vietnam War faced significant opposition, fueled by anti-war protests and media coverage that brought the realities of the war into American homes. This contrasted with the more unified and supportive public sentiment during previous conflicts like World War II.
If I were the U.S. President in 1955, my primary concern in Southeast Asia would be preventing the spread of communism and preserving regional stability. The fear of the domino theory, where the fall of one country to communism could lead to neighboring countries following suit, would guide my actions in providing support to allies in the region to contain the spread of communism.