History Module 10: U.S. containment of communism

Question 1

What were the Paris Peace Accords of 1973?

Answer 1

The Paris Peace Accords of 1973 were:

1. An agreement intended to end the Vietnam War and restore peace in Vietnam.
2. They included the withdrawal of US troops and the return of prisoners of war.
3. The accords called for a ceasefire in South Vietnam and allowed North Vietnamese forces to remain there.
4. They failed to establish lasting peace, leading to the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Question 2

Describe MacArthur’s role in the Korean War.

Answer 2

MacArthur’s role in the Korean War included:

1. Commanding United Nations forces during key phases of the conflict.
2. Leading the successful Inchon landing, turning the tide of the war.
3. Advancing into North Korean territory, nearly reaching the Chinese border.
4. Being relieved of his command by President Truman over policy disagreements.

Question 3

Describe how Eisenhower reacted to the Cuban revolution of 1959.

Answer 3

Eisenhower’s reaction to the Cuban Revolution of 1959 included:

1. Initially recognizing Fidel Castro’s government, hoping to maintain positive relations.
2. Growing concern over Castro’s shift towards communism and closer ties with the Soviet Union.
3. Implementing economic measures against Cuba, including reducing the sugar quota and imposing a trade embargo.
4. Authorizing the CIA to begin training Cuban exiles for potential actions against Castro’s regime.

Question 4

What was the Gulf of Tonkin incident?

Answer 4

The Gulf of Tonkin incident involved:

1. Alleged attacks on US naval vessels by North Vietnamese forces in August 1964.
2. Disputed accuracy of reports regarding the second alleged attack.
3. President Lyndon B. Johnson ordering retaliatory strikes against North Vietnam.
4. The US Congress passing the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, escalating US involvement in the Vietnam War.

Question 5

Describe how the fighting in Korea came to an end in 1953.

Answer 5

The fighting in Korea came to an end in 1953 through:

1. The war reaching a stalemate with neither side able to secure a decisive victory.
2. Lengthy armistice negotiations taking place at Panmunjom.
3. The signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953.
4. The establishment of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to separate North and South Korea.

Question 6

Describe what happened during the Tet Offensive.

Answer 6

During the Tet Offensive:

1. North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched surprise attacks across South Vietnam in January 1968.
2. They targeted major cities, military bases, and the US embassy in Saigon.
3. The offensive initially shocked US and South Vietnamese forces but was eventually repelled.
4. It marked a turning point in the Vietnam War, significantly affecting US public opinion and military strategy.

Question 7

Describe the tactics used by the Vietcong.

Answer 7

The tactics used by the Vietcong included:

1. Guerrilla warfare, employing ambushes, hit-and-run attacks, and sabotage.
2. Utilisation of extensive tunnel networks for movement, shelter, and storage.
3. Deployment of booby traps and landmines to target enemy forces.
4. Blending in with the civilian population to avoid detection.