Conflict and tension in Asia 1950-1975 (Section B) Flashcards
What was the USA-USSR relationship like at the end of WW2?
They had only grouped together out of fear of the mutual enemy of Germany but were hostile and suspicious prior. Their relationship broke down after WW2.
What were the causes of the Korean War?
Since world war 2, all of North Korea had been Communist. Tension since SK was anti communist and communism was spreading.
Why did the Korean War eventually break out?
Because North Korea invaded South Korea in March 1950.
What were the war’s main events and how did it develop?
UN pushed back the Communists in September 1950. China joins the war and pushes back the Un. SK capital Seoul taken by Communists (Jan 1951).
How did the Korean War end?
Stalemate was reached in early 1951 at the 38th parallel. Peace talks begin in June. July 1952 President Eisenhower is elected and an Armistice is signed in July 1953 to end the war.
What were the impacts and overall significance of the Korean War?
Korea remained much the same. Communist NK, anti communist SK. USA save SK from communism.
What were the origins of USA involvement in Vietnam?
They wanted to reduce the spread of Communism through domino theory in Asia.
The causes of the war - why did the USA get involved?
Vietnam was split into two: NV was communist and ruled by Ho Chi Minh
SV was anti communist and ruled by President Diem. The war was caused by NV being rejected by President Diem in their efforts to unify Vietnam. They decided to over throw Diem using the NLF (Viet Cong). The USA entered in 1965 to prevent the spread of communism (domino theory) as well as the events of the Gulf of Tonkin.
What were the tactics of the Viet Cong?
Guerilla tactics: Ambush, booby traps, stealth, Ho Chi Minh trail, given weapons by USSR. They also used fear tactics to wear down the enemy.
What were the tactics of the US?
Search and destroy missions where they would invade an area with helicopters and attack any Viet Cong presence. Zippo raids.
Why was it difficult for US soldiers in Vietnam?
- Little knowledge of the terrain so Viet Cong had advantage.
- Fear of booby traps
- Not used to climate.
- Lack of information about what they were fighting for.
- Many would kill civilians thinking they were Viet Cong out of anxiety.
What happened at My Lai?
American soldiers killed over 400 civilians in a search and destroy mission in My Lai 1968. This got to the press in 1969 and caused over 700,000 anti war protestors outside Washington in November 1969.
Why was the Tet Offensive the turning point?
It caused the media to start opposing the ar and the 20 billion a year cost that hadn’t developed into a winning side. The US had been taken completely by surprise by the Communists.
How important was the media in undermining the USA’s war effort?
Very important. It caused historical protests and
Why did people oppose the war in Vietnam?
Because despite the 20 billion a year going to the war, the US were being defeated and losing with many casualties as well. There was also controversy about many of the acts of the soldiers in the Search and destroy missions.
