Vietnam Flashcards
What was the Vietnam War?
The Vietnam War (1955–1975) was a prolonged Cold War conflict between communist North Vietnam and non-communist South Vietnam, supported primarily by the United States.
What was the U.S. policy during the Vietnam War?
The U.S. policy aimed to contain the spread of communism in Southeast Asia following the ‘domino theory.’
What event marked the origins of the Vietnam War?
The origins of the Vietnam War began after the French colonial defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954, leading to the division of Vietnam at the 17th parallel.
Who was the leader of South Vietnam?
The leader of South Vietnam was Ngo Dinh Diem.
What was the nature of Diem’s government?
Diem’s government was authoritarian, suppressing political opposition and dissent.
What religious tensions existed in South Vietnam?
Diem’s regime marginalized and violently suppressed the majority Buddhist population, leading to significant tensions.
What significant event occurred in 1963 involving Buddhist protests?
The government violently suppressed Buddhist protests, including the self-immolation of monks, which drew international condemnation.
What were the consequences of the Vietnam War for the U.S. military?
The Vietnam War resulted in approximately 58,220 American service members killed and over 150,000 wounded.
How much did the Vietnam War cost the U.S. financially?
The Vietnam War cost the U.S. around $168 billion.
What was the impact of U.S. military spending on domestic programs?
Military spending diverted funds away from domestic needs, such as Medicare.
What was Lyndon B. Johnson’s ‘Great Society’?
Johnson’s ‘Great Society’ emphasized domestic programs but diverted funds from the Vietnam War.
What tactics did the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army use?
They used guerrilla tactics and local knowledge effectively against U.S. forces.
What was Ho Chi Minh’s military strategy?
Ho’s leadership emphasized a protracted guerrilla war strategy combining political mobilization with military action.
How did U.S. public opinion change during the Vietnam War?
Public opinion shifted dramatically as televised coverage showed the war’s brutal impact, fueling anti-war protests.
What event intensified public outrage against the Vietnam War?
The Kent State shootings in 1970, where National Guard troops killed four student protesters, intensified public outrage.
What was the outcome of the Vietnam War?
The war culminated in the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the reunification of Vietnam under communist control.
What was Nixon’s policy of ‘Vietnamisation’?
Nixon’s policy aimed to gradually withdraw U.S. troops while increasing the combat role of South Vietnamese forces.
What were the Paris Peace Accords?
The Paris Peace Accords signed in January 1973 led to a ceasefire and the formal withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Vietnam.
What is the domino theory?
The domino theory argued that if South Vietnam fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow in rapid succession.
What happened after the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam?
After the U.S. withdrawal, communist forces took control of South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
What was the impact of the Vietnam War on U.S. foreign policy?
The Vietnam War marked a significant defeat for the U.S., undermining its Cold War containment strategy and leading to skepticism about foreign interventions.
