Death of a Generation: How the Assassinations of Diem and Jfk Prolonged the Vietnam War

Death of a Generation: How the Assassinations of Diem and JFK Prolonged the Vietnam War The assassination of President John F. Kennedy has long been a source of speculation about how America and the world would have been different if he had lived to fulfill his presidency. One area of particular debate is how Kennedy would have handled the Vietnam War. Historian Howard Jones presents a compelling new argument that Kennedy intended to withdraw most American troops and pursue a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Drawing on recently declassified documents and interviews with key figures from Kennedy's inner circle, Jones reveals that Kennedy believed the outcome of the war depended on the South Vietnamese. Jones's research shows that Kennedy had drafted a comprehensive plan for withdrawal by the end of 1965, but it was put on hold by the Buddhist revolt in 1962. Kennedy's decision to promote a coup as a means of facilitating withdrawal ultimately led to Diem's death and further instability in Vietnam. Despite this, Kennedy remained resolute in his desire to reduce American involvement in the war. This book offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in American history, shedding new light on the complex and often contradictory policies of the Kennedy administration.