US Involvement In The Vietnam War 1954-75 Flashcards
Who was Ho Chi Minh?
A communist Vietnamese Leader who led various revolts against Japan, France and USA
Who were the Viet Minh?
A group of vietnamese communist guerilla fighters against the japanese
Who were the Viet Minh led by?
Ho Chi Minh
What did the Viet Minh do when the Japanese left Indochina?
They took control and set up the Democratic Republic of vietnam
What was the French reaction to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam?
They wanted to take back control of the area and got USA’s military help
Why did the US help france with taking back control of Indochina?
The US did not support Ho Chi Minhs communist beliefs
After the french lost the battle of Dien Bien Phu, A peace agreement was made.
What was the peace agreement called?
The Geneva Accords.
What did the Geneva accord of 1954 agree on?
Vietnam would temporarily be split into two
In 1956 electrons will take place to decide the leader the of the whole country
Cambodia and Laos will become independent
What did Indochina consist of?
Vietnam
Cambodia
Laos
How was the country split following the Geneva Accord in 1954?
Communist North
Capitalist South
Why did the USA feel the need to het involved with Vietnam Events?
If nothing was done, communism will spread throughout south east asia
Also, an increase of communist countries will strengthen the soviet union in the cold war
What were the reasons president Ngo Dinh Diem became increasingly unpopular?
He was a catholic in a buddhist majority
Spent most of adult life in US - couldnt connect with people
Gave government jobs to family
What were the reasons for increase US invokvement in the Vietnam War?
Containing communism and the domino theory
Escalation of communist rebellion
Who were the Vietcong?
South vietnamese communists who wanted to overthrow the government
Why was the Escalation of communist rebellion a reason for US involvement in the Vietnam War?
If Vietcong suceeded, all of vietnam could become communist
How did the US try and prevent the Vietcong taking over South Vietnam
Sent south vietnam more monu and equipment
Attacks worsened and had to end up sending their own troops in 1964
Who was helping the Vietcong take over South Vietnam and How?
Ho Chi Minh was sending support and weapons
What does it mean when the vietcong used ‘Guerrilla’ tactics?
The frequently attacked larger enemy forces
What were some tactics the Vietcong used against the USA?
Guerilla warefare
Complex tunnels to hide and move easily
Booby traps
What were some booby traps the Vietcong made?
Punji traps (holes in the ground containing sharp sticks covered with posion
Bombs triggered by trip wires
Mines
How did the tactics of the Vietcong affect US soilders?
Increased number of deaths
Demotivated the Troops
What were some Discipline problems within the US armed forces?
Drug abuse to cope with the anxiety
Running away
What advantages did the Vietcong have in the war?
They were familiar with the land
They were used to the weather unlike the US
What was Operation Ranch Hand of 1962?
Dropping cancer causing chemicals from the air to destroy jungles and land
Why was Operation Ranch hand 1962 significant to Vietcong?
Caused birth defects and serious illness
Ruined farms and jungles
What was Operation Rolling Thunder 1965?
A heavy bombing campaign to destroy North Vietnamese cities so they surrender
Operation Rolling Thunder was extremely expensive, however not very effective.
Why was it not effective?
Most people lived outside the cities and vietnamese civillians were evacuated
What was the Tet Offensive 1968?
The Vietminh and Vietcong launched distraction attacks and took over lots of south vietnamese cities
What was the My Lai Massacre 1968?
Where Lieutenant Willaim Calley killed 700 innocent civilians of My Lai village
Why was the My Lai Massacre so significant?
It demonstrated that the war was dehumanising and no longer about communism
How did students of Kent State University protest in 1970?
Lit fires and smashed windows
Burned down a university that was used to train troops
Why did the Mayor declare a state of emergency?
Due to the dangerous protests of students
On May 4th 1970, the national guard ended up using tear gas on students.
How did it escalate from there?
Students picked up the tear gas and rocks and threw it back.
National guard ended up firing at the students
Shortly after the Kent State shootings, protests began at the black Jackson State University in Mississippi. Police opened fire and killed two students.
How did people respond?
News was in favor of the white police officers.
Police lied about the incident
