Vietnam Flashcards
What was the cause of the Vietnam war?
Vietnam became free of French control and was temporarily divided in 1954, with communists under Ho Chi Minh assuming control of North Vietnam, and south Vietnam controlled by president Diem.
Elections to reunify the country were to be held, but never happened because president Diem, refused.
During the 1960s a guerrilla war began to develop in south Vietnam.
Diem was corrupt and unpopular, and used terror to keep itself in power. This led to the formation of the Viet cong (NLF or South Vietnamese communists).
What did JFK do in Vietnam?
He believed in domino theory. Therefore he thought if south vietnam became communist so would the rest of south east Asia.
So, in may 1961 he sent in 100 military advisors and 400 military forces, and more were sent in as Viet kong activity increased.
In may 1963 a Buddhist monk covered himself in petrol and lit himself on fire in protest over the government. Diem’s brother said he would supply the petrol if any other monk wanted to do the same. Kennedy was completely disillusioned and made it clear to SV generals that the USA would accept the overthrow of the corrupt Diem, which occurred on 1-2 November 1963.
JFK would be assassinated later that month.
What did Johnson do in Vietnam?
He was determined not to be the first US president to lose a war.
In august a clash took place between American ships and NV patrol boats. He misleadingly claimed that the American ships weee on routine patrol and were attacked, then persuaded congress to pass a resolution which allowed him to take any action against the NV to stop their aggression.
He escalated the war after his re-election in 1964. There was a massive aerial bombardment of NV, rallying them against America. NV was supplied with missiles from USSR, and increased the number of troops sent to help the Viet Kong.
Discontent grew as television continually reporting on the war, with casualties as high as 500 a week.
However, he was determined to fight until victory. On 31st January 1968 (Vietnamese new year of Tet) 50,000 Viet Kong and North Vietnamese troops infiltrated all major South Vietnamese cities. This was known as the Tet offensive.
This was a massive shock to Johnson, who announced he would stop all air attacks on NV except for a small area at the border, and that he wouldn’t run again for presidency.
What did Nixon do in Vietnam?
Committed to a policy of peace with honour, meaning he wanted US troops out of Vietnam but didn’t want a communist victory.
Started vietnamisation, which involved training the South Vietnamese army to look after the defence of SV allowing for gradual withdrawal of American troops.
Nixon resumed heavy bombing of NV to put pressure on them to talk seriously at the Paris peace talks and try to cut the flow of troops and supplies.
By the end of 1972, after furious bombing, an agreement was reached. A ceasefire would take place in SV, American troops would withdraw and NV would respect the border.
NV resumed warfare in late 1974 after Nixon resigned.
What did Ford do in Vietnam?
Realised Americans would never tolerate the reintroduction of troops into Vietnam. So, without US assistance South Vietnam rapidly collapsed.
Later the same year (1974) communist regimes were set up in Cambodia.
Vietnam today is still a unified country under communist rule.
List some reasons why America lost the Vietnam war.
- NV was totally dedicated to eventual victory, and prepared to make sacrifices to reach it. They proved to be resilient, quickly rebuilding after American destruction.
- The Viet Kong had widespread support in the south, and the US propping up the corrupt government actually encouraged the spread of communism.
- Viet Kong were experts in Guerrilla warfare and were fighting in familiar territory. Americans were young and unprepared for the environment and dealing with their tactics. Viet kong were prepared to survive off cold rice and rats, while Americans demanded luxuries.
- The presence of NV troops in SV was a guarantee of eventual victory.
- The American public eventually became disillusioned by the heavy casualties in Vietnam. A large anti-war movement developed.
What were the Viet Kong’s tactics?
Guerrilla warfare.
Constant ambushes made American soldiers nervous.
Support of local people.
Knew the countryside.
Prepared to do whatever it took.
Tunnels and Traps.
What were the USA’s tactics?
Intensive bombing which turned locals against USAGE
Search and destroy which led to massacres of civilians including women and children
