What Broadens LBJ’s Military Power?
Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, took office in 1963 following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. During his presidency, Johnson faced numerous foreign policy challenges, including the ongoing Cold War with the Soviet Union and the growing conflict in Vietnam. To address these challenges, Johnson sought to broaden the military power of the United States, leveraging a range of strategies and initiatives to bolster the country’s defense capabilities.
Nuclear Triad
One of the key factors that broadened LBJ’s military power was the development of the nuclear triad. In the early 1960s, the United States possessed a limited nuclear deterrent capability, relying primarily on its bomber fleet and submarine-based ballistic missiles. However, with the introduction of the Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in 1962, the US gained a reliable and survivable land-based nuclear capability.
Minuteman ICBM
The Minuteman ICBM was a significant improvement over earlier systems, offering greater accuracy, range, and mobility. With a range of over 6,300 miles, the Minuteman could strike targets in the Soviet Union and other parts of the world. The missile’s rapid deployment capability, which allowed it to be launched from silos in a matter of minutes, also made it a more effective deterrent.
Submarine-Based Deterrent
In addition to the Minuteman, the US also expanded its submarine-based nuclear deterrent. The Polaris missile, launched from submarines, provided a mobile and stealthy capability that made it difficult for the Soviet Union to detect and intercept. This added an extra layer of security to the US nuclear deterrent, making it even more difficult for the Soviets to launch a surprise attack.
Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT)
In 1969, the United States and the Soviet Union began negotiations on the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). While SALT did not lead to significant reductions in nuclear stockpiles, it did establish a framework for verifying the numbers and types of nuclear weapons possessed by each side. This transparent and verifiable framework helped to reduce tensions between the two superpowers and prevented a nuclear arms race.
Vietnamization
The Vietnam War was another key factor that broadened LBJ’s military power. In 1965, the US military began to Vietnamize the war, transferring responsibility for combat operations from American troops to the South Vietnamese army. This approach allowed the US to gradually withdraw its troops from the conflict, while still maintaining a significant military presence in the region.
Ground Troops
The deployment of ground troops to Vietnam was a significant expansion of US military power. American soldiers played a crucial role in fighting against the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong, and their presence helped to stabilize the region. The US military also played a key role in conducting search and destroy missions, which aimed to disrupt the enemy’s supply lines and infrastructure.
Air Power
The Vietnam War also saw a significant expansion of US air power. The US military employed a range of aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, and transport planes, to support ground operations. The AC-47 gunship, a heavily armed and armored aircraft, was particularly effective in close air support missions.
Table: US Military Personnel in Vietnam
| Year | Total Personnel | Troops | Advisors | Aircraft | Ships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | 75,000 | 40,000 | 5,000 | 1,500 | 10 |
| 1968 | 536,000 | 475,000 | 10,000 | 5,000 | 40 |
| 1969 | 549,000 | 475,000 | 10,000 | 5,000 | 40 |
| 1970 | 565,000 | 470,000 | 10,000 | 5,000 | 40 |
Economic Support
Finally, LBJ’s military power was also broadened by economic support. The US government invested heavily in its military, increasing defense spending from $54 billion in 1963 to $81 billion in 1968. This significant investment allowed the US to maintain a large and powerful military, capable of responding to a range of threats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lyndon B. Johnson’s military power was broadened through a range of strategies and initiatives. The development of the nuclear triad, the introduction of the Minuteman ICBM, the expansion of submarine-based nuclear deterrent, and the negotiation of the SALT treaty all contributed to a significant increase in US military power. The Vietnam War also saw a significant expansion of US military power, with the deployment of ground troops, air power, and economic support. These factors combined to make the US military one of the most powerful forces in the world, capable of responding to a range of threats and challenges.
