Kennedy

Question 1

Elected in Nov 1960

Answer 1

‘Tough on communism’, increased weapons spending.

Question 2

Inherits

Answer 2

1000 military personnel

Question 3

May 1961 (NSAM)

Answer 3

NSAM 52 (National Security Action Memorandum - blueprint for escalation. It committed the US ‘to prevent communist domination’. It initiated military, political, economic and psychological support.

Question 4

May 1961 (Cost)

Answer 4

Johnson visits Vietnam. Money and training promised. Aid rose from $220 million to $262 million.

Question 5

October 1961

Answer 5

Taylor-Rostow mission to Vietnam. Recommend an increase in aid and the deployment of US troops. Impact - no combat troops but air support provided by the US.

Question 6

Geneva Accords 1962

Answer 6

neutral Laos, US advisors withdraw.

Question 7

Dec 1962

Answer 7

11,300 US military personnel in South Vietnam

Question 8

Jan 1963

Answer 8

Battle of Ap Bac. ARVN troops defeated and accused of cowardice by US advisors.

Question 9

June 11 1963

Answer 9

Buddhist Thich Quang Duc burned himself to death.

Question 10

Nov 1963

Answer 10

Diem assassinated. Kennedy assassinated. 16,300 military personnel in South Vietnam.