One of the main reasons was to separate the Vietnam War from the French War or French Vietnam War (which is often referred to as the French Indochina War; and lately, the 1st Indochina War). To makes things simple: The French Indochina War and the US (American) Vietnam War, might be the easiest way to remember it.
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Vietnam was called Vietnam after World War 2.
Natural rubber from the numerous rubber trees in Vietnam certainly may have been a factor in the French Indochina War (also called the 1st Indochina War) 1946-1954. But it had nothing to do with the American Vietnam War (1955-1975).
Soldiers were NOT welcomed home with happiness. Soldiers that came home from the Vietnam War were called baby killers and were often spat on.
The people who supported the Vietnam War were commonly knowns as hawks.
In America. the American soldiers? No. In Vietnam - the Vietnamese Viet-Cong? Yes.