Textbook 1112/13 & 1123/24 Flashcards
What significant event began on January 31, 1968?
The Tet (Viet New Year) and a Viet Cong surprise attack on South Vietnam.
What was Westmoreland’s claim about the Tet Offensive? In reality, what is the political impact?
He claimed it was a win, but it had a political impact that turned Americans anti-war.
What happened to Johnson’s popularity after the Tet Offensive?
Johnson’s popularity plummeted.
Who was Walter Cronkite?
A CBS news anchor who reported on the Tet Offensive.
How much did the US spend on the war monthly?
How much $ many per VC killed was that?
how much money was spent on poverty programs per American
$2 billion per month.
$322,000 for every VC killed
Poverty programs cost $53 per American.
What did MLK say about the bombs in Vietnam?
“The Bombs in Vietnam explode at home- they destroy the hoped and possibilities for a decent America”
What happens to Johnson as his term comes to an end?
Johnson is depressed
What conclusion did Secretary of Defense Clifford reach?
The US can’t ‘win’ the war.
Who wanted to run for president after Johnson?
JFK and anti-war candidate McCarthy.
What were the results of the New Hampshire Democratic primary? Why is it significant?
McCarthy 42%, Johnson 48%. JFK decides to run.
Who was Johnsons VP
Humphrey
What did Johnson announce on live TV?
A halt of bombing to negotiate a ceasefire and that he wouldn’t run again.
What type of war did America try to fight in Vietnam?
A ‘limited war’, while Vietnam fought an ‘absolute war’.
What were the(FSM) and (SDS)?
Free Speech Movement
Students for a Democratic Society
They were anti-war movements.
Why was Vietnam considered a ‘poor man’s fight’?
College students could postpone service until graduation or age 24.
What percentage of draftees were college students in 1965/66?
2%.
How much more likely were people of color to be drafted?
Two times more likely.
What are ‘hawks’ and ‘doves’ in the context of the Vietnam War?
‘Hawks’ support the war, while ‘doves’ are anti-war.
How many people ignored their draft? How many go to prison for that?
200,000.
4k go to prison
What was the status of 56,000 draftees?
They received ‘conscientious objector status.’
What did draftees do to avoid the war?
Move to Canada and Sweden.failed their physical
What did the Colombia SDS radicals do?
They took over.
