Gulf of Tonkin Incident & US Involvement in Vietnam Flashcards
1
Q
Why was the Gulf of Tonkin Incident important?
A
- In August 1964, North Vietnamese torpedo boats allegedly attacked the USS Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin.
- Johnson used this as a pretext to escalate US involvement in Vietnam.
- While there’s disagreement about the true nature of the attack, the incident marked the US’s direct military involvement.
- Increased fear of communism led to public and political pressure for action.
2
Q
What was President Johnson’s view on the Vietnam War?
A
- Johnson inherited a Vietnam crisis and feared losing South Vietnam to communism would be disastrous for his presidency.
- He believed in the Domino Theory — that if Vietnam fell, other countries in Southeast Asia would follow.
- Johnson escalated US involvement to protect America’s credibility in the Cold War.
- He was also influenced by military advisors and a desire to maintain control over the region.
3
Q
What happened during the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in 1964?
A
August 2, 1964: The USS Maddox, conducting electronic intelligence gathering in the Gulf of Tonkin, reported being attacked by three North Vietnamese torpedo boats. The Maddox fired back, reportedly hitting two boats.
August 4, 1964: A second attack was reported, this time involving the USS C. Turner Joy. However, later evidence cast doubt on whether this attack actually happened, with some sources suggesting it was a false radar reading or misinterpretation.
Key Stats:
- $1.1 billion in military aid sent to South Vietnam as a result of escalation.
- 2 US Navy ships involved: the Maddox and C. Turner Joy.
4
Q
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, and why was it important?
A
Passed by Congress on August 7, 1964, the resolution granted President Lyndon B. Johnson the authority to use military force in Vietnam without formally declaring war.
Key Stats:
- 98 Senators voted in favor (only 2 voted against).
- 439 Members of Congress voted in favor, with 4 voting against.
- This gave Johnson almost unlimited power to escalate US involvement, leading to an increase in troops and bombing missions.
5
Q
How did President Johnson use the Gulf of Tonkin Incident to justify escalation?
A
- Johnson presented the Gulf of Tonkin Incident as an unprovoked attack on American vessels in international waters, which increased the public desire for action.
- He claimed it was part of a wider North Vietnamese aggression and a threat to US interests in Southeast Asia.
- This allowed Johnson to escalate US military action without waiting for a formal declaration of war.
6
Q
What was the impact of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution on US involvement in Vietnam?
A
- Immediate military escalation: Within months, Johnson ordered the deployment of ground troops and Operation Rolling Thunder (a bombing campaign over North Vietnam).
- The resolution was vital in pushing the US toward full-scale military involvement — from under 20,000 troops in 1964 to over 500,000 by 1968.
Key Stats: - In 1965, the US sent 200,000 troops to Vietnam.
- By 1968, over 500,000 US troops were deployed.
7
Q
Why is there doubt about the Gulf of Tonkin Incident?
A
- Second attack on August 4, 1964 was later revealed to possibly be a false alarm — caused by miscommunication, poor intelligence, or weather conditions.
- Admiral John S. McCain, the father of Senator John McCain, later said the attack might have been exaggerated.
- In 2005, documents from the National Security Agency (NSA) confirmed that the second attack on August 4 was likely a false report.
8
Q
How did the Gulf of Tonkin Incident affect public opinion in the US?
A
- At first, the incident rallied public support for US action in Vietnam, portraying the attack as an unprovoked violation of international law.
- However, after details emerged about the questionable second attack, public support began to deteriorate. The war became increasingly controversial, especially after the Tet Offensive in 1968.
Key Stats: - Before the Gulf of Tonkin incident, around 60% of Americans supported US involvement in Vietnam.
- By 1968, following growing casualties and mounting questions about the war’s justification, support dropped to around 40%.
9
Q
What was Operation Rolling Thunder, and how did it relate to the Gulf of Tonkin?
A
- Operation Rolling Thunder (1965–1968) was a sustained bombing campaign over North Vietnam that began shortly after the Gulf of Tonkin Incident.
- It was meant to weaken the North Vietnamese military, destroy their supply lines, and undermine morale.
However, the bombing failed to cripple North Vietnam’s resolve or military capability. It instead galvanized more support for the communist cause.
Key Stats: - Over 800,000 tons of bombs were dropped.
- Over 500,000 sorties (bombing missions) were conducted.
- 50,000 civilian deaths in North Vietnam.
10
Q
Why did US involvement in Vietnam increase after the Gulf of Tonkin?
A
- After the Gulf of Tonkin, the US committed to preventing the fall of South Vietnam and preserving its credibility in the Cold War. The domino theory played a major role in justifying the expansion of US military action.
- US involvement increased as Johnson believed military escalation was necessary to contain communism and avoid a loss of influence in Asia.
Key Stats: - By 1965, 200,000 US troops were stationed in Vietnam.
- By 1968, that number had risen to over 500,000.
11
Q
What were guerrilla tactics, and why were they effective?
A
-The Vietcong used hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and surprise attacks, often blending in with the civilian population. They used knowledge of the local terrain to their advantage.
-Their approach made it difficult for the US to effectively use their advanced technology and firepower, leading to stagnation on the battlefield.
Key Stats:
- Vietcong forces were often outnumbered and outgunned but used their guerrilla tactics effectively to maintain resistance.
12
Q
What was the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and why was it vital to the Vietcong?
A
- The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a vast network of supply routes running through Laos and Cambodia, which the North Vietnamese used to supply the Vietcong in South Vietnam.
- The trail was vital because it allowed the North to maintain supplies, troops, and weapons for the Vietcong, despite the intense bombing campaigns by the US.
Key Stats: - The Ho Chi Minh Trail stretched for over 12,000 miles.
- Despite US bombing campaigns, the trail remained operational and kept the Vietcong supplied.
13
Q
What role did tunnels, punji traps, and bouncing betties play in the war?
A
- Tunnels allowed the Vietcong to hide, transport supplies, and launch surprise attacks.
- Punji traps were hidden spiked pits designed to maim or kill.
- Bouncing Betties were land mines that exploded at waist height, causing severe injuries or death.
Key Stats:
The Vietcong tunnel network in Cu Chi was over 200 miles long.
14
Q
How did the Vietcong use violence and propaganda in the war?
A
- The Vietcong used brutal tactics, including attacks on civilian villages and kidnappings, to create fear and gain control.
- Propaganda was used to spread messages of resistance, unify the population, and portray the US as invaders.
15
Q
what was ‘hanging on the belts of Americans’ ? why was it used ?
A
- a Vietcong tactic of engaging American and allied forces at close quarters to prevent the use of air and artillery support, which could harm their own troops
- 51 % of US casualties caused by Vietcong ambushes
16
Q
what were the advantages of the Vietcong tactics ?
A
- took Americans by surprise, made the soldiers nervous and frustrated
- Vietcong were able to fight a psychological war
- they were able to capture and use US weapons, gained artillery
- 90 % of Vietcong weapons were originally us or south Vietnamese (ARVN)
17
Q
what were the disadvantages of the Vietcong tactics ?
A
- a lot of civilians killed as they were suspected as being undercover Vietcong workers
- Vietcong would never be able to fully beat the US using guerrilla tactics, only able to attack small units of the us army not the full army
18
Q
why were many american soldiers unprepared to fight in the Vietnam war ?
A
- increasing no. of soldiers need, they sent young and inexperienced soldiers
- average age of US soldiers were 19
- many of them were unable to cope with fighting in an unfamiliar environment
19
Q
what were ‘search and destroy’ missions ? why were they used & why was it effective ?
A
- Americans would search villages for Vietcong soldiers in villages, if they found any they would destroy the village as a warning to the south Vietnamese helping the Vietcong
- removed bases for the Vietcong to work from
- became known as ‘zippo’ raids - cigarette lighter used to light the thatched houses on fire
- ## terrified the South Vietnamese peasants
20
Q
why were american tactics failing in the Vietnam war ?
A
- US was unable to fight back against the guerrilla tactics
- Vietcong never did open combat so the US were unable to use heavy weapons and air support
- the Vietcong would ambush the US patrols that were meant to be searching for them
- inexperienced GI was unable to tell the difference between an enemy soldier and and innocent civilian, GIs often killed civilians
- Us helicopter gunners fired at anything that looked suspicious
21
Q
how was chemical warfare used and how in the Vietnam war ?
A
Agent orange:
- Highly toxic weed killer that was used to destroy the jungle so that Americans could see the Vietcong trails, tunnel entrances, and bases from air
Agent blue:
- Destroy crops so the Vietcong would not have enough food
Downside:
- chemicals caused cancer
- pregnant women - affects children
Napalm:
- gelling agent and fuel
-burn through anything, effective for destroying the jungle
- would burn skin and cause severe damage to injure civilians
22
Q
what was the impact of US tactics ?
A
- bombing campaign was successful
- Ho Chi Minh trail was disrupted, rarely enough time for the us to get ahead
- search and destroy missions and chemical warfare resulted in the capture of relatively few Vietcong soldiers, did little to destroy tunnels
- attacks only made the peasants turn more against the US
- many innocent civilians were killed in the raids, survivors then began to support the Vietcong
23
Q
what was the Tet offensive and when was it ? what was the aim ?
A
- 1968
- in honor of Tet there was a ceasefire and around 84,000 Vietcong and north Vietnamese troops attacked more than 100 towns, cities & military bases
- US embassy building and general Westmoreland’s headquarters in saigon
AIM: - ## inspire south Vietnamese soldiers to rise up against their government & the Americans in their country to drive them out
24
Q
what was the american military response to the Tet offensive ?
A
- U.S. and South Vietnamese forces quickly pushed back the Tet Offensive, regaining control of the cities and bases attacked.
- However, this required enormous use of artillery and air power, causing widespread destruction.
- The Viet Cong suffered heavy casualties, but their ability to strike key targets, including the U.S. embassy in Saigon, shocked American officials and the public.
- Despite regaining control, the U.S. military was now losing over 300 soldiers per week, and more troops were requested—but not granted.
25
what was the American, political & strategic response to the Tet offensive ?
- Although the offensive was a military failure for the North Vietnamese, it was a strategic success: it showed that the enemy was far from defeated, contradicting what the U.S. government had been telling the public.
- President Lyndon B. Johnson announced on March 31, 1968, that he would not seek re-election, showing how deeply the offensive had shaken the administration.
- General Westmoreland requested 200,000 more troops, but Johnson denied the request and replaced him with General Creighton Abrams in June 1968.
- The U.S. government began rethinking its strategy, recognizing that a clear military victory was unlikely.
26
what was the media & public opinion of the Tet offensive ?
- The offensive shocked the American public because it contradicted official claims that the U.S. was winning the war.
- Graphic TV footage and news coverage turned many Americans against the war.
- Influential figures like Walter Cronkite, a respected news anchor, expressed doubt about the war effort—this deeply impacted public trust.
27
what was the political shift after the Tet offensive ?
- The U.S. began shifting to a policy of "Vietnamization" under Nixon—training South Vietnamese forces to take over more combat roles.
- There was a gradual drawdown of U.S. troops over the next several years.
28
what led to the my Lai massacre ?
- The My Lai Massacre occurred shortly after the Tet Offensive, a surprise attack by communist North Vietnamese and Vietcong forces that shocked both US forces and the American public.
- The soldiers involved, from 'Charlie Company' of the 11th Infantry Brigade, were frustrated and disillusioned after suffering casualties during the Tet Offensive, mainly due to sniper attacks and booby traps, but without direct combat with the Vietcong.
29
What was the "search and destroy" mission in My Lai ?
- In March 1968, Charlie Company was ordered to conduct a "search and destroy" mission in My Lai after reports suggested a Vietcong base in the area, with local villagers allegedly supporting the Vietcong.
- The troops were tasked with destroying crops, livestock, wells, and food stores, and were informed that the villagers would likely be at market since it was a Saturday
30
What happened during the My Lai massacre ?
- On March 16, 1968, US troops landed in My Lai and immediately began firing at buildings they believed to contain Vietcong fighters.
- They destroyed crops, livestock, and homes, and killed villagers—mostly women, children, and the elderly—without encountering any armed resistance.
- Afterward, the soldiers reported that only 22 civilians had been accidentally killed, claiming the rest of the dead were Vietcong, and they were praised by the US Army.
31
How was the truth about the My Lai massacre uncovered?
- A year after the massacre, soldier Ronald Ridenhour wrote letters to 30 US politicians and military officials about the events he had learned from soldiers involved.
- General Westmoreland ordered an inquiry, but it wasn't until Time magazine published photographs of the massacre, including graphic images, that the nation became horrified and the truth was widely revealed.
32
What did the U.S. government investigation into the My Lai massacre uncover?
- The government investigation interviewed 398 witnesses and concluded that Charlie Company had massacred between 347 and 504 unarmed civilians, and the event had been deliberately covered up by higher authorities.
- It recommended prosecuting many soldiers for rape, murder, or participation in the cover-up.
33
What did the U.S. Army's investigation reveal about the soldiers involved in the My Lai massacre?
- The army investigation found widespread failures in discipline, leadership, and morale among the soldiers, many of whom were inexperienced and unsuited for their tasks.
- It also suggested that the casualties the soldiers suffered in previous battles could have influenced their actions during the massacre.
34
What were the outcomes of the prosecutions following the My Lai massacre?
- Although 25 soldiers were recommended for prosecution, only Lieutenant William Calley was tried for the massacre. Calley was convicted of murdering 22 villagers and sentenced to life in prison, but was released in 1974 after intervention from President Nixon.
- Many felt that Calley was following orders and that the punishment of one soldier was insufficient for the scale of the crime.
35
How did the My Lai massacre and the investigations affect public opinion in the U.S.?
- The investigations, especially Calley’s trial, caused widespread mistrust in the army and government.
- Opposition to the Vietnam War grew, and in late 1969, around 700,000 people protested against the war in Washington, marking the largest political protest in U.S. history at the time.
36
What did the investigations reveal about the morale and conditions of U.S. troops in Vietnam?
- Investigations revealed low morale and poor discipline among U.S. troops, with one report estimating that over one-third of the soldiers were addicted to drugs.
- These findings highlighted the challenging and destructive conditions the troops faced, contributing to the broader disillusionment with the war.
37
How did the My Lai massacre influence the public’s view of the Vietnam War?
- The My Lai massacre revealed the extreme violence of the war, leading to a shift in public opinion.
- Many Americans believed the original goal of containing communism had been lost, and the war had become a bloodbath, contributing to increasing anti-war protests and a decline in support for U.S. involvement.
38
What were some of the early objections to the U.S. involvement in Vietnam?
- Some people objected on moral grounds, questioning why the U.S. was bombing fellow human beings.
- Others questioned why the U.S. was attacking another country instead of helping South Vietnam defend itself against communism.
39
How did the anti-war movement grow after 1965?
- The movement grew significantly after 1965 when the U.S. began large-scale bombing in North Vietnam.
- This escalation led to widespread protests, especially in October 1965, when anti-war demonstrations occurred in over 90 U.S. cities.
40
Who were the main participants in the anti-war protests, and what role did the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) play?
- The majority of anti-war protesters were young university students, who organized events like "teach-ins," debates, and lectures.
- The SDS played a central role in leading these protests and spreading the anti-war message.
41
What was significant about TV coverage during the Vietnam War?
- The Vietnam War was the first major conflict covered extensively by TV cameras, showing graphic images of death, destruction, and violence that were broadcast to U.S. audiences, including the devastation of villages and soldiers being killed or maimed.
42
How did TV coverage impact U.S. public opinion about the Vietnam War?
- As the war was televised, the public began to question the necessity and morality of the U.S. presence in Vietnam, especially as images of death, young soldiers dying, and devastating attacks turned many against the conflict.
43
What other factors contributed to growing disillusionment with the Vietnam War?
- Stories of drug addiction, low morale, and massacres (like My Lai) reached the U.S. public, further undermining support for the war and increasing skepticism about the government's handling of the conflict.
44
What happened in October 1967 regarding anti-war protests in the U.S.?
- In October 1967, 100,000 protesters gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, with around 30,000 continuing their protest at the Pentagon, resulting in a violent confrontation with soldiers and hundreds of arrests.
45
How did Martin Luther King influence the anti-war movement in 1967?
- In 1967, Martin Luther King spoke out against the Vietnam War, arguing that the funds for the war should be spent on improving the U.S. instead, particularly on initiatives like education, healthcare, and housing through his Great Society program.
46
How did the Vietnam War affect President Johnson’s Great Society?
- The funds required for the Vietnam War, which cost $20 billion a year, diverted money from the Great Society's domestic programs, leading to public disillusionment as promises to improve education, housing, and healthcare went unmet.
47
What was the financial cost of the Vietnam War by 1967, and how did this impact the U.S. government?
- By 1967, the Vietnam War was costing the U.S. government around $30 billion per year.
- This massive financial burden redirected government spending from domestic programs to fund the war effort, causing dissatisfaction.
- The economic strain fueled growing protests, as many questioned whether the war was worth the high cost.
- Public concern grew over the allocation of funds to a war that was seemingly endless, with domestic needs like education and healthcare left underfunded.
48
What was the scale of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam by 1967, and what were the casualty statistics?
- By November 1967, the U.S. had 500,000 troops stationed in Vietnam, making it a massive military involvement.
- The war resulted in over 15,000 U.S. soldiers killed and 110,000 wounded by the end of the year.
- The scale of deployment and rising casualties fueled public outrage, with citizens questioning the rationale behind sending so many troops.
- This loss of life, coupled with frequent deployments, contributed to a significant shift in public opinion against the war.
49
What was the role of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, and how did it contribute to the anti-war movement?
- In 1967, Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) was formed by ex-soldiers who had served in Vietnam and were now outspoken in their opposition to the war.
- Many members of the VVAW had been injured in the war, both physically and emotionally, and their involvement in the anti-war movement gave it credibility.
- These veterans shared their personal stories of the horrors of war, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.
- The VVAW became a key voice in the growing anti-war movement, using their firsthand experience to challenge the government's narrative and push for an end to the war.
50
How did Vietnam veterans express their opposition to the war, and what was the public’s reaction?
- Some Vietnam veterans took a powerful stand against the war by publicly throwing away the medals they had earned during their service.
- This symbolic protest rejected the recognition they had been given for their service, emphasizing their disillusionment with the war.
- The act garnered significant media attention and had a strong emotional impact on the American public.
- The veterans' protest added weight to the anti-war movement, showing that even those who had served in Vietnam were no longer willing to support the conflict.
51
What was the purpose of the 'draft board' in the United States after WWII?
- After WWII, the 'draft board' ensured that the military had enough men for service, requiring all young men aged 18-26 to register.
- They received a 'draft card,' indicating eligibility for military service during times of war.
52
What were 'draft dodgers,' and how did they avoid military service during the Vietnam War?
- 'Draft dodgers' were young men who tried to avoid being drafted into the military.
- Some fled to countries like Sweden and Switzerland, while others used other means to escape the draft, making a statement against the war.
53
How did some draft dodgers publicly protest the Vietnam War?
- Some draft dodgers publicly protested by burning their draft cards, which was a symbolic act of defiance against being drafted and a protest against the Vietnam War.
54
What role did student protests play in the opposition to the Vietnam War in the late 1960s?
- In the late 1960s, student protests escalated, with over 100 demonstrations in early 1968 alone, involving around 40,000 students, often turning violent as students clashed with police.
55
What was the significance of the chant "Hey, hey, LBJ! How many kids did you kill today?" during the Vietnam War protests?
- The chant became a powerful and accusatory form of protest against President Johnson, taunting him about the high number of casualties, both American soldiers and Vietnamese children, during the war.
56
How did President Johnson react to the growing protests and the war's casualties?
- The chant and the rising opposition deeply affected President Johnson, who would ask for the casualty numbers daily, and ultimately led him to announce that he would not seek re-election, signaling his decision to end his presidency and the war's pursuit.
