The United States and Vietnam, 1787-1941.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Miller, Robert Hopkins.

Contributor:

National Defense University Press.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States--Foreign relations--Vietnam.

United States.

Vietnam--Foreign relations--United States.

Vietnam.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (354 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Chicago : Barakaldo Books, 2021.

System Details:

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Mode of access: Internet from the National Defense University web site. Address as of 6/2/03: http://www.ndu.edu/inss/books/books%20-%201990%20to%201995/US%20and%20Vietnam%20-%20Nov%2090/USV17.pdf; current access is available via PURL.

Summary:

As efforts continue to settle the Cambodia-Laos issue, Vietnam is again a focus of American attention. With the passage of time since the United States pulled out of Vietnam, American policymakers have begun approaching the major Indochinese issues from new perspectives, particularly new perspectives toward that general region. As is so often the case, history, by informing, may also help illuminate these issues. In this book, Ambassador Robert Hopkins Miller, a diplomat with considerable experience in Southeast Asia, presents the early history of US-Vietnam relations. In 1787, President Thomas Jefferson first showed an interest in the region-then called Cochinchina-for the purpose of trading for rice. From this beginning, Miller traces the ebb and flow of US diplomatic, economic, and strategic interests in Vietnam. Amply illustrated with excerpts from contemporary correspondence and official documents, the research shows Vietnam's intricate relationship with China, the gradually increasing commercial involvement of the Western powers, and the impact of Japan's expansionist policy. The chapters building up to World War II are particularly informative as they demonstrate, among other matters, the responsibility of national leaders to identify unambiguous political aims. In documenting the early development of US-Vietnam relations, the author has provided a service for historians and contemporary analysts alike. In presenting the long view of historical perspective, Ambassador Miller has enhanced our understanding of this area of the world. J. A. Baldwin Vice Admiral, US Navy President, National Defense University

Contents:

Intro

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION

ILLUSTRATIONS

MAP

FOREWORD

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

PREFACE

I-MERCHANT SHIPS AND THEIR CAPTAINS

The Fame and Captain Jeremiah Briggs

The Brig Franklin and Captain John White

II-DIPLOMATS AND NAVAL VESSELS

John Shillaber, U.S. Consul in Batavia

Edmund Roberts, Special Agent, and the Sloop-of-War Peacock

Edmund Roberts: Second Mission

Joseph Balestier, U.S. Consul, and Captain John Percival of the U.S.S. Constitution

III-COMMERCE, STRATEGIC THINKING, AND COLONIAL EXPANSION

Daniel Webster and Commodore Perry

Colonies and Consulates

France and China: A Growing Confrontation

IV-THE UNITED STATES' GOOD OFFICES

The First Attempt: July-August 1883

The Second and Third Attempts: July-August 1884

The Fourth Attempt: September-November 1884

Breathing Space: Trade and Consuls

V-THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN: PRELUDE TO CONFRONTATION

American Beginnings in Indochina

Coming Confrontation

Arms Shipments, High Diplomacy, and Commercial Considerations

VI-JAPAN'S SOUTHWARD ADVANCE

Japan's Southward Advance Accelerates

Japanese Forces Occupy Tonkin

Exploratory U.S.-Japanese Conversations Begin

"The Pudgy Thumb" Falls and Talks Resume

CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS

APPENDIXES A TO G HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS

Appendix A-U.S. Consul John Shillaber's Report to the Secretary of State on Cochin China

Appendix B-Secretary of State Livingston's Instructions to Special Agent Edmund Roberts

Appendix C-Special Agent Edmund Roberts' Report on his First Mission

Appendix D-Letter to the Secretary of the Navy from Captain John Percival

Appendix E-Mr. Balestier to the Secretary of State

Appendix F

Appendix G

THE AUTHOR

NOTES-Colonies and Consulates

IV THE UNITED STATES' GOOD OFFICES

The First Attempt: July-August 1883.

The Second and Third Attempts: July-August 1884

V THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN

Prelude to Confrontation: American Beginnings in Indochina.

Notes:

Title from title screen (viewed June 2, 2003).

"First printing, October 1990"--P. vi.

Paper version no longer for sale by the Supt. of Docs.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

9781839747618

1839747617

OCLC:

1250081476