Key Events - Vietnam War Flashcards
Malayan Emergency
1949
Communism was spreading from the jungles. British forces defeated a communist revolt in Malaya.
Korean War
1950 - 1953
Communist Chinese-backed North Korea invaded capitalist US-backed South Korea.
Communist Party Dissolution Bill
1950
Menzies introduced the bill to parliament. It aimed to take away the property of anyone associated with the communist party, and prohibit them from holding a job in a union or government position. It was ultimately rejected as it was viewed as ‘un-democratic’.
Labor Party Split
1955
The Democratic Labor Party split from the Labor Party to stand against communism. Communist fear had reached hysterical levels.
ANZUS
September 1951 (9/51)
Signed by Australia, the US, and New Zealand. Obligated each nation to help in the event of a communist invasion. Aimed to improve the US and Australian relationship.
SEATO
1954
Treaty opposing communism in SE Asia. Was signed by the US, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Thailand.
Commitment of troops to Vietnam
1962 - Army advisers sent to South Vietnam
1965 - Menzies sends first battalion
1966 - RAAF and RAN are involved
1968 - 8000 troops are sent to Vietnam
1969 - Withdrawal of troops began, following US
1972 - All military aid to Vietnam ended by Labor govt.
Battle of Long Tan
18 August 1966 (18/8/1966 - 8+8=16)
A battle was fought between the Australians+US and the Viet Cong in the Long Tan rubber plantation. The Viet Cong wanted to secure the Nui Dat base in the centre of the Phuoc Tuy province, surrounded by communist strongholds. The Australians succeeded in driving away the Viet Cong despite being outnumbered
Tet Offensive
January 1968
Viet Minh and Viet Cong launched a coordinated attack against targets in South Vietnam, causing the US and South Vietnamese militaries to sustain heavy damage.
