What would have happened if the US had won the Vietnam war?

Question

I'm studying the way wars have shaped international relations throughout the 20th Century, and I was just curious on people's theories for this.
It was said going into the war that the integrity of the US commitment was the pillar of peace throughout the world, and that if their commitments were deemed unreliable this would strengthen communist resolve and could lead to catastrophic war.
While the US didn't win, and no World War 3 followed, what would have happened if they had won? What would the world look like today? Any different? Maybe an even stronger America?

dudeman612 · Accepted Answer

We'd have put more pressure on the USSR, since we'd be in their back yard, so to speak.

We'd most likely have all kinds of military bases there, teeming with soldiers, ready at a moments notice to spring to action should anything happen between us and the USSR.

China may have been drawn into the conflict if we had won there, since they were closely allied with the Soviets. They may have felt threatened by our "occupation" of Vietnam, or been coaxed by the Soviets.

And who knows the repercussions from the unintended consequences of us being there. Just look at the blow back from our meddling in the Middle East: The radical revolution in Iran 1979 after we propped up the Shah in the 50's; all the Islamic terrorism stemming from our meddling; the spread of radical Islam throughout the world; Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda; etc.

We could have radicalized the surrounding regions and pushed them into the hands of Soviet communism. The Soviets could have portrayed us as imperialists and rallied much of SE Asia to hate us and fight against us in a similar guerrilla war that the Vietcong used.

Possibly, things could have progressed to the point where it forced the US and USSR into direct conflict. 

Or it could have worked out well for us. Transforming the region into a more peaceful, Western styled democratic system with capitalist economic principles.

Anonymous · Answer

If We had won the Korean war.  way have stopped the Vietnam war.  and down the line.  We are one big paper Lion, or should I say pussy.

You cannot ask bullies to stop, they will only stop for one reason.

Anonymous · Answer

Vietnam would have had Big Macs sooner

Anonymous · Answer

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Anonymous · Answer

A McDonald's on every corner!

What would have happened if the US had won the Vietnam war?

5 Answers