2. Xmas Quiz- The Vietnam War Flashcards
What happened to Vietnam during World War 2?
During World War 2, Vietnam was occupied by Japan. Before that, it was a French colony, but Japan took control during the war. After Japan was defeated, Vietnam was divided into two zones: the North controlled by the Japanese, and the South by the French
Who was Ho Chi Minh?
Ho Chi Minh was the leader of North Vietnam and the Viet Minh, a communist group fighting for independence from France. He later became the first president of North Vietnam.
What happened at Dien Bien Phu in 1954?
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954 was a major victory for Ho Chi Minh’s forces (the Viet Minh) over the French. This battle forced France to withdraw from Vietnam, and it led to the Geneva Accords, which divided Vietnam into two parts at the 17th parallel.
Why else is the date 1954 significant for Vietnam?
1954 is significant because it was the year the Geneva Accords were signed, dividing Vietnam into North Vietnam (communist) and South Vietnam (anti-communist)
What was the ‘Strategic Hamlets Programme’?
The Strategic Hamlets Programme was an attempt by the South Vietnamese government, supported by the U.S., to move villagers away from Viet Cong-controlled areas into protected villages or “strategic hamlets” to stop them from supporting the enemy.
Who was Ngo Dinh Diem? (Try to give 3 details about him)
Ngo Dinh Diem was the leader of South Vietnam.
He was anti-communist and supported by the US.
His government was unpopular because it was corrupt, repressive, and favored Catholics over the majority Buddhists.
Describe what happened at the Gulf of Tonkin
In 1964, two U.S. destroyers were allegedly attacked by North Vietnamese patrol boats in the Gulf of Tonkin. This led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which gave President Lyndon B. Johnson the authority to send more American troops to Vietnam.
What is the significance of 3500 on 8th March 1965?
ESCALATION OF WAR- On 8th March 1965, 3500 US Marines landed in Vietnam. This marked the start of large-scale American involvement in the Vietnam War.
Name 4 tactics used by the Viet Cong
Guerrilla warfare (ambushes, surprise attacks).
Tunnel networks for hiding and attacking.
Booby traps to injure or kill US soldiers.
Blending in with civilians and using local support
Name 4 tactics used by the Americans
Search and destroy missions to find and kill Viet Cong.
Air strikes and bombing campaigns (like Operation Rolling Thunder).
Agent Orange (a chemical used to destroy forests and crops).
Body count to measure success, often exaggerating victories.
Why was the Tet Offensive a turning point?
The Tet Offensive (1968) was a massive surprise attack by the Viet Cong (the north) on South Vietnamese cities. It shocked the US, showing that the war was not close to being won, and turned American public opinion against the war.
Describe what happened in the My Lai massacre
In 1968, US soldiers killed over 500 unarmed Vietnamese civilians (mostly women, children, and elderly) in the village of My Lai. This event shocked the world and increased anti-war protests
What does ‘draft dodge’ mean?
Draft dodge means avoiding being drafted (forced to join the military) during the Vietnam War, often by fleeing to another country like Canada
Why is the Vietnam War often called a ‘media war’?
The Vietnam War is called a ‘media war’ because it was the first war to be extensively covered on television, and images of the violence and suffering helped turn public opinion against the war.
How many students were killed by the National Guard during a peace protest at Kent State University?
On 4th May 1970, four students were killed by the National Guard during a peaceful anti-war protest at Kent State University in Ohio
