"Our purpose in Vietnam is to prevent the success of aggression. It is not conquest, it is not empire, it is not foreign bases, it is not domination. It is, simply put, just to prevent the forceful conquest of South Vietnam by North Vietnam"

This quote by Lyndon B. Johnson speaks to the purpose of the United States' participation in Vietnam. He specifies that the function is not to conquer, construct foreign bases, or dominate, however rather to avoid the powerful conquest of South Vietnam by North Vietnam. This quote speaks to the concept of the United States as a protector of democracy and freedom, and the concept that the United States need to intervene in conflicts to avoid the spread of authoritarianism. Johnson's quote likewise speaks with the idea of the United States as an international leader, and the concept that the United States must use its power to protect the rights of individuals around the world. This quote is a suggestion of the significance of the United States' role on the planet, and the value of standing up for what is right.