Attacks On Laos, Cambodia And Bombing Of North Vietnam Flashcards
When was attack on Cambodia and what was it?
1970 - USA had been secretly bombing Ho Chi Minh trail in Cambodia
Who was the ruler of Cambodia?
Prince Sihanouk, was neutral in war
What did pro-american Lon Nol say in 1970?
Told N. Vietnamese to leave Cambodia
What did N. Vietnamese do after being told to leave Cambodia?
They joined with Cambodian communist guerillas and attacked Nol’s government
What did Nixon send to defend Nol’s government?
50,000 ARVN and 30,000 US troops
When did Nixon say US troops had to be out of Cambodia by?
30th June, went on TV to explain why troops were going to Cambodia
Why did Nixon keep the Cambodia bombing secret?
Knowledge of the invasion would create US outrage
What were the consequences of the bombing on Cambodia?
Damage to Ho Chi Minh Trail11,000 communists killedNol stayed in powerCommunist bases destroyed
Where did communist pull back to after failing to take Nol’s government?
Pulled back far enough so ARVN couldn’t invade as they would be away from US support
After Cambodia bombing, which part of Ho Chi Minh trail did N. Vietnam use to get to S. Vietnam?
Laos part
What were the consequences of the Cambodia invasion in USA?
public outcry and protests in USACongress cancelled Gulf of Tonkin resolution and called for less funding for war
What happened in Laos in 1971?
S. Vietnamese government attacked Laos as the Laotian Ho Chi Minh trail was used more
What did USA agree to in Laos after much argument?
Providing air support for 21,000 ARVN troops
Why did N. Vietnam decide to fight for Laos?
Couldn’t lose trail
What military did N. Vietnam have in Laos?
36,000 troops and tanks
What was the result of the S. Vietnamese attack on Laos?
ARVN fled and US air cover suffered high casualties
What questions did the invasion in Laos raise?
Doubts on Vietnamisation Despite N. Vietnamese bases and trail remaining secure, political power in Laos was still a struggle
When was the Easter Offensive?
1972
What did USA continue to do despite loss in Laos?
Withdraw US troops
What were happening with peace negotiations?
Not reaching an agreement
What happened on 30th March 1972?
120,000 N. Vietnamese troops crossed border to S. Vietnam and attacked in 3 different places
VC joined in when N. Vietnamese troops crossed border, why was this a surprise?
Shortly before the attack, USA said invasion was not a serious possibility
What pushed back N. Vietnamese in Easter Offensive?
ARVN and US air support
When was the bombing of N. Vietnam?
1972
What happened on 6th April 1972?
USA launched operation Linebacker
What was Operation Linebacker?
Bombing of North Vietnam, no restriction on targetsNixon ordered mines to be dropped in Haiphong harbour and blockades to keep USSR nad China reaching N. Vietnam
What were the consequences of Operation Linebacker?
. Almost wiped N. Vietnamese war industry. Severely disrupted USSR and China supplies. Destroyed communication Vietnamese. Led to USSR and China urging North Vietnameseto reach peace settlement
