Vietnam Flashcards
Why did USA have to go to Vietnam?
Policy of containment. French failed. Gave money to Europe to stop communism spreading(Truman doctrine and Marshall plan)
Who was the first American dictator in South Vietnam?
Ngo Dinh Diem.
Why did American cancel the election to reunite Vietnam?
Worried the communists would win and Vietnam would turn communist.
What was the trail which the Vietcong were supplied through called and which countries did it run through?
Ho Chi Minh trail. It ran through Vietnam and cut through Cambodia and Laos.
What was the theory called that America were worried communism would trigger and which countries would it affect?
Domino theory. It would affect Laos, Cambodia Burma and possible India and Australia.
What did President Eisenhower send to South Vietnam?
Military advisors and equipment to the South Vietnamese army. (Non communist)
Who were the Vietcong and North Vietnam being supplied by?
Communist China and the soviets.
What did JFK increase sending to Vietnam?
Increased military advisers from 900 to 11,000, allowed US pilots to fly combat missions over Vietnam. Increased amount of money + supplies
Diem had 23,000 troops by the end of 1964.
What did the USA realise about Diem in 1963 and what did America do?
Too corrupt. There was a coup and anti communist generals replaced him in November 1963.
What were the national liberation front also known as and which part of Vietnam wars it set up in and who were they loyal to?
Known as the Vietcong. They were set up in South Vietnam in 1960 and were loyal to Ho Chi Minh.
What did the Vietcong attack?
Gov forces, officials, buildings. Made countryside unsafe for gov forces. By 1963, VC had control of 40% of the countryside.
Why was LBJ a turning point for Vietnam?
Poured troops into Vietnam from 1963-69. Realised a greater U.S. involvement was needed.
What date was the gulf of Tonkin incident and what was the significance of this?
2nd of Sep 1964. Short term trigger. U.S. Maddox attacked by 3 NV torpedo boats. Gave LBJ excuse to attack Vietnam. Aka Tonkin resolution.
What operation was launched which included B-52 bombers and what date was it on?
7th of February 1965. Operation rolling thunder.
What was the aim of operation rolling thunder?
Wouldn’t need U.S. troops, all factories, ports, military bases and supply lines e.g Ho Chi Minh trail would all become out if action.
What date did america realise that they needed troops in Vietnam and how many marines were out in Vietnam?
8th March 1965. 3500 marines came ashore at Da Nang. By July 1965 there were 180,000 troops in Vietnam.
What were the Vietcong tactics?
Ambush, AK-47’s, no HQ or uniform, Ho Chi Minh trail, small groups
Why did the Vietcong use ambush as a tactic?
Attack morale, US lived in constant fear,
What were good about AK-47’s in the Guerrilla warfare?
Could fire through trees, easy to clean and more resistant than the M-16 to the environment. Simple to use
Why did the Ho Chi Minh trail stay open?
Had 40,000 workers to keep it open and working to supply Vietcong
Why was the tactic ‘Hanging onto belts’ successful?
America couldn’t bomb them as they would kill their own men
What were the American tactics?
Bombing, chemical warfare, S&D,
Why was the American tactic of bombing successful?
Disrupted supply lines, killed some Vietcong
Why was the American tactic of bombing unsuccessful?
Only slowed them down, incredibly expensive, 14000 US aircrafts shot down, turned SV against them
Why did America use agent orange and napalm?
Destroy forest where VC hid
Why was the American tactic of agent orange and napalm unsuccessful?
Turned VC and American public against US military
Why was the American tactic of S&D unsuccessful?
Lots of civilians killed, US troops walked into traps, destroyed morale, poor information provided
When JFK finished sending troops, how many did Diem have in which year?
Diem had 23,000 troops by the end of 1964.
Why did LBJ feel there was a need for a greater involvement in vietnam?
Feared a total Communist takeover of Vietnam
What were the American mistakes?
S&D tactics - My Lai massacre Bombing tactics Chemical warfare TV war Peace movement
What were VC strengths?
Guerrilla warfare - effective
TET offensive
What did Ho Chi Minh believe could defeat superior forces?
Guerrilla tactics
What were the principles of Guerrilla tactics?
Retreat when the enemy attacks, raid when the enemy camp, attack when the enemy tire and pursue when they retreat
How many civilians did the VC kill between 1966-71?
27k
When was the TET offensive?
On the new year holiday in 1968 (Jan 31st)
What did the VC attack on the holiday?
Over 100 cities and military targets
What did the VC most famously take over with how many troops during TET?
Tied down a much larger American and SV force for 2 days with 4.5k fighters
Why was the TET offensive a disaster for the VC?
lost 10k experienced fighters and were hoping the SV would rise up with them, but they didn’t. Now badly weakened
What questions were raised about the USA after the TET offensive?
They had 500k troops and $20B was being spent, so why are they able to launch a major offensive that took them completely by surprise?
What % of Americans wanted to pull out the war by 1969?
Over 50%
