Nature of The Conflict from 1964-68 Flashcards
Why were the VC difficult for the US to fight against?
They were never fully aware of where the VC were hiding and where their traps were. The US were living in constant paranoia and fear as they could be attacked at any moment.
What are some key VC tactics?
- Hit and run attacks - took enemy by surprise, difficult to fight against
- Sabotaged roads / bridges - difficult for US to transport troops and supplies
- Used complex tunnels - east to hide and escape
- Effective propaganda - helped them relate to villagers and gain their support
- Light weapons / equipment - allowed them to move quickly and carry supplies on bikes
Why were tunnels useful?
They allowed for easier movement and contained hospitals, storage areas and living spaces. Their small size forced the US to send in “tunnel rats” to fight the VC.
What was Operation Rolling Thunder?
A bombing campaign over North Vietnam which targetted the Ho Chi Minh trail and industry. This included using napalm and pineapple bombs.
What was the effect of Operation Rolling Thunder?
It continued until 1968 and caused a lot of damage to the trail and industry but did not destory the trail. The north used tunnels for protection, thousands of cvilians were killed which was bad for public opinion back home and made the North more determined.
What was the US’ search and destory missions?
US soldiers search jungles for VC camps. Helicopters then bomb or spray chemicals. There was some success in tracking down and killing the VC.
What was the effect of search and destroy missions?
The VC often moved back in after these missions. US bombing created refugees and chemical spraying harmed ordinary villagers, turning them against the US.
What was Operation Cedar Falls?
30,000 US and ARVN troops on search and destory missions which focused on the “Iron Triangle” where the VC was strongest. These areas became “free-fire” zones that could be bombed at any time.
What was the effect of Operation Cedar Falls?
Many villagers did not understand the point of it and returned to their homes in free-fire zones. This triggered mass civilian casualties which only made the US more unpopular.
What chemicals were used?
Herbicides named after the colour of their containers including Agent Blue and Agent Orange. They killed crops and plants, making it easier to find VC bases.
What was the effect of using chemical warfare?
- Over 3000 villages were sprayed, often with people still there.
- Chemicals poisoned water supplies and soil, causing serious health problems both at the time and in the future
- Public outrage led to ending chemical use in October 1971.
Why were US tactics inefficent?
- They failed to do significant damage to the VC
- Their policies created criticism back home
- The Vietnamese people were pushed closer to the VC and Communism
What was TET offensive?
- Took place in January 1969, on the TET lunar new year
- The North Vietnamese attacked southern cities and bases
- Beforehand, the North had suggested they were willing to negotiate. They looked ready to give in.
- Suprise attacks took the US off guard such as at Khe Sanh
- North suffered high casualties but won a propaganda victory
- TET offensive changed US public opinion at home
Was the TET offensive a success?
The Vietnamese were initially successful as they got into the US embassy, Presidential Palace and ARVN headquarters. This shocked the US public and humiliated the government.
The TET attacks were shocking for the US and ARVN as the cities were widelt considered the safest places, leaving them left vulnerable. The attack ended after the Southern forces recaptured most bases, except for Hue and Khe Sanh. It could be argued the North suffered a defeat due to their heavy casulaties.
