Vietnam Flashcards
Explain why the Vietcong was an effective fighting force [6]
No uniform or base meant that it was impossible for US troops to identify them. They used tactics that were both cheap and effective. They slowed the US troops and had enormous psychological impact. The use of tunnels meant many attacks could be done in surprise.
Explain why the USA became involved in Vietnam up to and including 1965 [6]
Fears about the Domino theory and the spread of Communism through South East Asia. Powerful groups in the military encouraged the president involved in conflict. Both would gain enormous budgets. In Aug 1964 the U.S. Warship ‘The Maddox’ was attacked by the North Vietnamese.
Explain why the Communists used guerrilla tactics in the Vietnam war [6]
No uniform or base meant it was impossible for the US troops to identify them. They were very cheap and effective in slowing down US troops. The tunnels meant the Vietcong could carry out surprise attacks. Enormous psychological impact was another benefit.
Explain why the Vietnam war became unpopular in the USA [6]
TV footage showed raw footage of the war. Viewers saw US troops destroying villages (zippo raids) Napalm attacks etc. The Tet Offensive proved the war was not being won despite what the government said. The financial cost of the war meant that America taxes went up.
Explain why the methods used by the Americans were unsuccessful [6]
The ‘strategic hamlet’ programme did not work and lost them support from peasants who were forced to move. Bombing and chemical warfare did not target the Vietcong and killed thousands of innocent people. Search and destroy missions did not succeed in destroying Vietcong strongholds.
What was the Tet Offensive? [4]
The celebration of the Vietnamese new year was used by the Vietcong to launch surprise attacks on over 100 cities and bases in the south. It took the US army over a month to win back these areas. The ancient city of Hue was destroyed. It proved the USA were not winning the war.
What military tactics did the Americans use in the Vietnam war? [4]
‘Strategic hamlet programme’: moving whole villages away from Vietcong areas.
Bombing: the USA had control of the skies but hundreds of thousands of innocent people died.
Chemical warfare: agent orange/napalm
Search and destroy missions
Who were the Vietcong? [4]
Communist fighters who fought against the USA in South Vietnam. They wore civilian clothing so they couldn’t be identified by US soldiers. They were supplied via the Ho Chi Minh trail. They used guerrilla tactics to attack US troops.
What was the domino theory? [4]
This was the American belief that if one country turns Communist then neighbouring countries would also fall like a row of dominoes. Communism could spread across the world e.g. Cambodia, Thailand. This fear led to the policy of containment.
What involvement did America have in Vietnam between 1945 and 1962? [4]
Supported the French until 1954. The USA then helped to set up the Republic of South Vietnam - sending money and equipment. They prevented free elections from taking place as they feared the communists would win. They sent ‘special advisors’ to help the south. The number rose from 900 to 11, 000
In what ways did the USA support the government of Vietnam between 1954 and 1963? [6]
Supported the French until 1954 then helped to set up the Republic of South Vietnam, sending money and equipment. They prevented free elections from taking place as they feared the Communists would win. They sent ‘special advisors’ to help the south. The number rose from 900 to 11, 000.
Explain why the Tet offensive was a success for the Vietcong [6]
It was a surprise attack on over 100 cities and bases in the south. The U.S army was not ready for the new year attacks. It took over 4 weeks to win back these areas. The Tet Offensive proved to the USA that that the war was not being won. Public opinion turned against the war.
