The Vietnam War Flashcards
Viet Cong Tactics - The Ho Chi Minh Trail
They were paths that were liked hidden paths throughout the jungle which the Viet Cong used to move troops and weapons. The Americans tried to find the trail, but it was hidden to well and was frequently changed.
The Viet Cong Tactics - Tunnels
They were used as hiding spots and as supply routes and hospitals. This frustrated the Americans because they couldn’t locate the tunnels.
The Viet Cong Tactics - Booby Traps
They would place trip wires and spikes everywhere for Americans. Broken sticks were used as markers to warn fellow Viet Congs about the traps.
American Tactics - operation rolling thunder
They were bombing raids on Vietnamese towns, they resulted in the deaths of large numbers of Vietnamese civilian. Americans did this to try and force the Vietnamese to surrender.
Americans Tactics - search and destroy
In attempt to find the Viet Cong fighters ( the people who fought with north Vietnam against south Vietnam and the USA ). The USA searched Vietnamese villages for Viet Cong fighters and if they suspected there were any they would destroy the villages. This led to many deaths of innocent people. The Viet Cong helped the villagers rebuild their homes and bury their dead.
American Tactics - Napalm
When America suspected that they had found a Viet Cong base, they would drop Napalm on the site. Napalm was a very flammable liquid, that would almost burn through anything.
Reasons why America opposed the Vietnam war
- Because they were loosing
- Because lots of people were dying (Americans and Vietnamese)
- Because America had no reason to be in Vietnam and fighting.
Types of opposition
- protest marches
- protest songs
- student protests
- draft avoidance (not wanting to fight)
North Vietnam
Communist
Leader: Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh wanted to create a unified Vietnam, he was a popular leader and people liked him in the north and the south, Russia and China also supported him.
South Vietnam
Capitalist
Leader: Ngo Dinh Diem
He was a cruel leader and became a leader through fake election and persecuted people who were Buddhist because he was catholic.
Who did the Viet Cong fight alongside ?
North Vietnam
Who did south Vietnam fight alongside ?
USA
Viet Cong and the north of Vietnam against south Vietnam and the USA.
Viet Cong and the north of Vietnam against south Vietnam and the USA.
Who was the leader of north Vietnam and was he communist or capitalist ?
Ho Chi Minh/communist
Who was the leader of south Vietnam and was he communist or capitalist ?
Ngo Dinh Diem/Capitalist