3.2 - Escalation Of The Conflict Under Johnson Flashcards
When did the Battle of Ap Bac happen and what was the result?
The Bartle of Ap Bac - 20th January of 1963 the ARVN lost the battle, of despite outnumbering the Vietcong 5 to 1, having better weapons and US air support.US military made it sound like a victory out US media reported it a defeat
What did Quang Duc do in protest of the Battle of Ap Bac?
Quang Duc’s protest - worldwide publicity at shocking footage of Buddhist monk’s self-immolation (setting fire to yourself)
Diems government called what happened to Quang Duc as a “barbeque” - very denumanising and showed how little they care
Why was Diem overthrown?
The overthrow of Diem - By 1963, the USA had Finally realised that Diem would never run a successful government so withdrew their support for him - he was eventually overthrown by ARVN generals and assasinated
What happened in November 1963?
Kenedy assasinated in November 1963. His replacement President Johnson initially hoped that only a limited amount of US help would be needed to save Vietnam from communism
Why did US involvement increase under Jonnson?
The US were in a more difficult position than in the 1960s with JFK as the Vietcong were stronger , the south Vietnamese government was weaker and the USA was more unpopular in South Vietnam
Why was the Vietcong more of a threat in 1964?
- Organisation - proper leadership
- Local support - won support with propaganda
- The unpopularity of the South Vietnamese govemment
- Foreign aid (e g From China)
- Vietcong ideals
- Time was on the side of the VC
What happened in the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
2nd August - USS Maddox fired upon by North Vietnamese torpedo boats
4th August - North Vietnamese torpedo boat attacks and claimed to have sunk two enemy boats. However confusion to what really happened . Johnson ignores confusion and orders Us planes to strike North Vietnamese targets in retaliation. Two US jets were shot down on this Strike
5th August - Johnson told congress about the attack on Maddox and C Turner Joy. Johnson also asks congress to give him the power to stop future attacks on US forces.
7th August - Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin resolution - Gives LBF power to take all necessary steps to stop attacks, including sending troops
What was the impact of the Gulf Of Tonkin incident?
Congress - Agreed with Johnson that the US needed to defend themselves against further attacks. Passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution giving Johnson more power
North Vietnamese - Saw this as a declaration of war so in they increased their involvement in South Vietnam and targeted US bases
Why was the advice given to Johnson regarding Vietnam in 1964-65 horrible?
Advice :
- All out bombing, will force them to negotiate
- Heavy bombing, will win the war
- Over in a few weeks
- War nearly won anyway
Advice was delusional,arrogant and naive. US had to win the “hearts and minds’ of the people, they did not realise this
