Chapter 13: North Vietnam Strengths & Weaknesses Flashcards
What was North Vietnam’s greatest weapon?
Their determination of troops of ingenuity in battle. They knew the country, it’s people and received logistical support from China and the USA.
What did Northern forces include?
Northern forces consisted of Vietcong and North Vietnamese Army. The Vietcong recruited anti-American SV rural peasantry.
What were the methods of the NLF guerrilla forces?
Modelled on those laid down by Mao Zedong in China. Did win them support but they were also prepared to use violence against the peasants that challenged them. Don’t destroy land or crops, keep your word, show peasants respect and support peasants.
What were Guerrilla tactics?
Used to compensate for inability to engage in conventional warfare. Undermines resolve and morale of US forces. Includes complex tunnel systems, booby traps e.g trip wires.
What was the Ho Chi Minh Trail?
Primary supply route, vital to the logistical tactics deployed by the North. Passed through Loas and Cambodia into South Vietnam. Crucial supply line for men and equipment. Regular target of US attacks but never fully disabled.
What happened in December 1964?
China agreed to provide military supplies to North Vietnam 1964-69. Their commitment to military aid disabled.
What were the North Vietnamese weaknesses?
Degree of dependency upon the USSR and China. Their economy could not sustain a prolonged War, even one based on guerrilla tactics, and there was no guaranteed support among many South Vietnamese peasants, e.g the planned uprising during Tet Offensive never materialised.
What was the Tet Offensive?
Jan-Feb 1968
Vietcong launched a series of military attacks against US targets in over a hundred towns and cities in South Vietnam. During traditional holiday period. Military defeat for Vietcong- 25000 killed, 5000 captures, not much support. Psychological, rather than mlitary defeat for US, showed the prospects of a quick end to War and US victory far away.
What happened 1968?
Johnson announced he did not intend to stand for re-election (after Tet Offensive).
