Vietnam 10 Marker

Question 1

How did the failure of US tactics affect the war? 5 key points

Answer 1

1. The USA were not used to guerrilla tactics and could not compete with the Vietcong in this area.
2. The Strategic Hamlet Programme only alienated peasants.
3. Bombing attacks failed as the VC had a huge network of tunnels for shelter.
4. Chemical weapons caused death to innocents.
5. Search and destroy missions were ineffective and killed innocent people.

Question 2

How did the financial cost affect the war? 5 key points

Answer 2

1. The war cost up to $30 billion a year and there was no sign of victory.
2. The Tet Offensive showed how strong the enemy was despite the huge spending.
3. It was estimated to cost $400, 000 to kill one VC soldier.
4. Taxes rose to pay for this - very unpopular.
5. LBJ’s vision of the ‘Great Society’ was being neglected as more money poured into Vietnam.

Question 3

How did the strength of the Vietcong affect the war in Vietnam? 5 key points

Answer 3

1. The VC didn’t wear uniform so it was impossible to identify them.
2. Tunnels protected them from bombing and allowed for surprise attacks.
3. Traps and mines were cheap but effective. They caused huge psychological damage (11% of casualties)
4. They ensured the loyalty of peasants by farming for them.
5. Hanging on US belts made it impossible for the US to use air strikes.

Question 4

How did the Tet Offensive affect the war in Vietnam? 5 key points

Answer 4

1. They were surprise attacks on over 100 cities and bases in the south - the US were unprepared.
2. It took the US one month to win them back.
3. The US embassy was stormed - humiliating.
4. It showed the sheer resilience of the enemy.
5. After Tet many Americans questioned if they were actually winning the war.

Question 5

How did Vietnamisation affect the war in Vietnam? 5 key points

Answer 5

1. It meant the USA would supply money and weapons but withdraw troops.
2. The South Vietnamese would be left to fight alone.
3. It seemed like the Americans were admitting defeat.
4. The South of Vietnam fell to the Communists in 1975.
5. All America’s efforts had been for nothing.

Question 6

How did public opinion affect the war in Vietnam? 5 key points.

Answer 6

1. Televisions allowed raw footage of the war to be broadcast
2. USA troops could be seen carrying out atrocities.
3. Respected journalist Walter Cronkite questioned if the war was being won
4. Protest movements emerged I.e Kent State
5. The Tet Offensive was broadcast and proved the war was not being won.