War Footing Political Cartoon
This cartoon, which first appeared in the Washington Post, is representative of John F. Kennedy's role in the escalation of the war. The stairs represent the struggle for the United States government to participate in the Vietnam conflict. JFK's main priority with Vietnam was sending financial aid to South Vietnam in order to support democratic governments, but without becoming too involved. In the cartoon, the problems within Vietnam, such as government upsets and general's coups, inhibit the U.S. government from succeeding in providing aid. These problems led to the rise of intervention in Vietnam. Sadly, JFK's assassination prevented him from deciding on a course of action for Vietnam, but Lyndon B. Johnson's inauguration signaled a new era in government.