What was the primary aim of the United States in Vietnam?

The primary aim of the United States in Vietnam was to contain communism. This was a fundamental aspect of US foreign policy during the Cold War, driven by the belief that the spread of communism in Southeast Asia could ultimately threaten other nations and lead to a domino effect, where more countries would fall under communist influence. The United States viewed Vietnam through the lens of this broader ideological struggle and sought to prevent the establishment of a communist government in South Vietnam after the French colonial withdrawal. This led to extensive military and economic support for the government of South Vietnam, including troop deployments and significant military engagement, all aimed at halting the expansion of communism in the region.