1954 in the Vietnam War 5 April The National Security Council met again to consider U.S. intervention at Điện Biên Phủ. The Army, including Army Chief of Staff General Matthew Ridgway, was negative, stating that U.S. intervention would require 7 army divisions and heavy air support. 7 April President Eisenhower used the phrase "falling dominoes" in a press conference. This was the origin of the domino theory which postulated that if Vietnam became communist the other nearby states would soon follow. The domino theory was a prominent justification for the Vietnam War in the United States during the 1960s. 14 April Secretary of State John
The dogs of war (phrase) releasing. Thus, the "dogs of war" are the political and societal restraints against war that operate during times of peace. Victor Hugo used "dogs of war" as a metaphor for cannon fire in chapter XIV of "Les Misérables:" In modern English usage "dogs of war" is used to describe mercenaries. The phrase has entered so far into general usage – in books, music, film and television – that it is now regarded as a cliché. One notable example of the use of this phrase was by Christopher Plummer's character General Chang in the film '', in a scene which featured