Asia 2.2 The US Involvement in Vietnam

Question 1

What was the Domino Theory of 1954? (AS 2.2)

Answer 1

-Eisenhower believed that the USSR and China were trying to spread communism around the world.

Question 2

What previous events made the justification of US involvement in Vietnam easier? (AS 2.2)

Answer 2

• Red Scare
• Actors and filmmakers being questioned.
• McCarthyism.

Question 3

How was Eisenhower involved in Vietnam politically? (AS 2.2)

Answer 3

• Invited South Vietnam to SEATO.
• Sent CIA agents to Saigon.
• Used propaganda in support of Diem and didn’t force Diem to hold an election in 1956.
• Tried to make Diem reform land for peasants.

Question 4

How was Eisenhower involved in Vietnam with the military and finances? (AS 2.2)

Answer 4

• Gave supplies, money and military equipment to the south.

- Sent military advisors to aid the ARVN.

Question 5

How was Kennedy involved in Vietnam politically? (AS 2.2)

Answer 5

• Did not tell the US public about their involvement.
• Supported the Strategic Hamlet Programme.
• Did not stop the coup against Diem.

Question 6

How was Kennedy involved in Vietnam with the military and finances? (AS 2.2)

Answer 6

-Increased money given to ARVN. (ARVN number rose 20,000 in 1961). Sent more military experts, and passive helicopter pilots. (Who had to defend themselves from Vietcong).

Question 7

What was Diems 1962 Strategic Hamlet Programme? Who supported it? How did it backfire in 1963? How did Kennedy respond? (AS 2.2)

Answer 7

• Cut off support peasants gave to Vietcong by moving them to ‘Hamlets’ with barbed wire and ditches.
• Kennedy supported this.
• 2/3 of the population were angry about being moved, and joined the Vietcong.
• Kennedy had to send more advisors as a result.