3.2 - Escalation of the conflict under Johnson Flashcards
1
Q
When did Johnson become president of the USA?
A
1963
2
Q
What were Johnson’s aims and what were the problems to those aims?
A
- To stop the spread of communism - communists in Vietnam were getting stronger and harder to defeat.
- To establish a democratic government in South Vietnam - government in South Vietnam was weak and unpopular.
- To ensure that the situation did not deteriorate into nuclear war - USSR was a superpower with nuclear weapons.
3
Q
Describe how the Vietcong was increasing in threat.
A
- VC more organised and effective, and their numbers increased.
- Some of VC’s ideas popular among ordinary Vietnamese, who sympathised with their view of Americans as imperialists wanting to control Vietnam for their own means.
- Many South Vietnamese angry with its government for dealings with the USA and policies such as the Strategic Hamlet Program.
- VC received support from North Vietnam which sent supplies and weapons to them.
4
Q
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Incident?
A
- In 1964, two US naval ships reported attacks by North Vietnamese torpedo boats off the North Vietnamese coast.
5
Q
What were the causes for the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
A
- Increased build-up of US advisers in South Vietnam under Johnson.
- Regular US patrols by ships.
- USA involvement in ARVN raids on North Vietnam.
6
Q
What were the consequences of the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
A
- Johnson ordered airstrikes against North Vietnam.
- Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, allowing Johnson to use armed forces to defend South Vietnam.
- In response, the North Vietnamese expanded their involvement in South Vietnam.
7
Q
Describe the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
A
- North Vietnamese supported VC by sending troops and weapons via Ho Chi Minh trail.
- Over time the paths on the trail became wider and easier to use to send more support and by 1974 there were underground hospitals, and fuel and weapons stores dotted along the route.
