Vietnam Flashcards

Question

What were the increasing threats of the VC?

Answer 1

Became more organised and effective and numbers increased. Some of VC's ideas were popular among ordinary Vietnamese, who smpathised with their view of Americans as imperialists wanting control of Vietnam for their own ends. Many South were angry with government for its daling s with USA and policies e.g. Stragetic Hamlet Program. Recieved support from North, sent supplies and weapons. Many rural South supported VC. Increased civilian VC support made VC threat larger.

Answer 2

North Vietnamese with China's help supported VC in South by sending troops weapons via Ho Chi Minh trail. Trail was network of paths and smaller trails, connected North and South (passed through Laos and Cambodia). Took about a month to get from 1 end to other. Over time paths on trail becam wider and easier to use to send more support. By 1974 some parts of trail properly paved and dotted along route that were underground hospitals and fueland weapons stores.

Answer 3

Planned ambushes, set simple, but deadly traps, didn't wear military uniform so intergrated with rural peasants, stayed close to US deployments of soldiers so couldn't be bombed easily, sabotaged roads and bridges to make it difficult for enemy to move around, avoided open battle, blended in with local population so was hard for members to be identified could be male, female, young or old.

Answer 4

Were still no US soldiers in Vietnam. Johnson wanted to force North to negotiate a settlemes.

Answer 5

Feburary 1965, USA started bombing campaign in North called Operation Rolling Thunder. Johnson resisted calls from military to bomb extensively. So Rolling Thunder began gradually, near South.

Answer 6

Targeted Ho Chi Minh Trail to stop suplies being taken South, and North's small industrial base.

Answer 7

Hanoi and port of Haiphong and border with China to avoid war escalating and China and USSR becoming envolved.

Answer 8

Small groups of VC tracked down VC camps then called helicopters to spray chemicals/bombs on them, VC often left traps on ground to kill/injure US soldiers.

Answer 9

If any VC in area, used 'hit and run' attacls on US troops instead of fighting and battles.

Answer 10

US troops destroyed VC tunnels, weapons and supplies they found. After US troops left area, VC returned-sent out message that US search and destroy was failing. Use of chemical sprays, and bombing of crops and homes made US umpopular with locals.

Answer 11

By North and VC in January-Febuary 1968. Over 100 cities and US bases in South were attacked.

Answer 12

Initially North and VC drew US and ARVN troops away from cities and military bases by attacking demilitarised zone. North also suggested negatiated settlement, made US think communists were losing.

Answer 13

On 30th January, North troops and VC attacked high-profile places in saigon, e.g. US embassy, airport and radio statoin. Attack in Saigon was defeated, but US citizens were shocked by events.

Answer 14

Eventually, US and ARVN troops recaptured cities and bases that were attacked and communists suffered very heaby losses (VC nearly wiped out). However, American public saw Tet Offensive as terrible faliure.

Answer 15

On 25th July 1969 Nixon put forward his ideas about Vietnam, southeast Asia and USA-Nixon Doctrine. USA would follow thorugh on any existing support it had promised its allies and help them against nuclear attacks. However, from now on US would only provide financial help and training against threats from countries that didn't have nuclear capacity-wouldn't provide soldiers.

Answer 16

Putting ideas behind Nixon Doctrine into practice.

Answer 17

Nixon wanted US troops to withdraw from vietnam, while also giving appearance USA hadn't lost war. South army (ARVN) was to take over more of actual fighting, thus reducing number of US military deaths. US government's focus was now to ssend money and advisers, not soldiers. US government's aim was to ensure South remained independent non-communist. In this way USA wouln't lose face over outcomes in Vietnam.

Answer 18

Troops began to be withdrawn form 1968 onwards. Once sodiers knew would be leaving, desire to fight was severely reduced. Many tried to avoid battle and some killed their officers to stop them leading them into situations where their lives were at risk. Drug use also rocketed among US troops.

Answer 19

In 1970 despite creating public hostility Nixon sent US troops to Cambodia to stop North from helping Cambodia's communists to power. Congress was outraged and canceled Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. Congress also reduced money for war and demanded faster troop reductions from Vietnam.

Answer 20

In 1971, USA gave air support for South invasion of Laos, to stop spreadof communism. Was bloody fighting between North and South(Vietnamese)in Laos. South Vietnamese didn't fight well, increasing douts about their ability to hold back communism in South after US troops went home.

Answer 21

In April 1972, USA bombed North in heavy air raids to weaken it. All areas were targeted and mines dropped into Haipong harbour to stop supplies from China and USSR coming by sea. RAdio and communications were destroyed. North war industry was severely damaged. Bombing led to calls from USSR and China for North to sign peace deal.

Answer 22

Initial approval of war declined as US involvememt escalated over time. Period saw growth in student anit-war organisations. Many young pepole rejected attitudes of previous generations and wanted social change. New 'counter culture' was emerging and students were a centrel part of it. Many stuedents opposed to draft. Students increased to 8.5 million in 1970 from about 6 million 5 years earlier.

Answer 23

Unlike earlier wars, Vietnam was first conglict where reporters were able to trabel with the troops into the war zone and report back on what they saw.

Answer 24

Brought Vietnam War into people's homes via tlevision, war described as 'media conflict' because media coverage was so important to public perceptions of the conflict. Media also reported on large-scale anti-war protests that were spreading across USA.

Answer 25

Many Americans started to believe TV reporters were being more honest than politions about Vietnam. News reports inspired American public to get involved in understanding and debating issues. Was growing feeling that government couldn't be trusted to keep public properly informed about what was happening. Many Anericans also felt government was misrepresenting how was was progressing.

Answer 26

Draft forced men aged 18-25 to serve in ilitary forces. Men who were chosen for military service were sent draft cards telling them where to report for duty.

Answer 27

First men chosen on grounds that US authorities viewed them as 'deliquent'. Finally men aged 18-25 chosen

Answer 28

1969 lottery system implimented. Men born from 1944-1950 issued number and called up at random. Of 2.6 million US soldiers who served, 650,000 were draftees.

Answer 29

Led to widespread public criticism about unfairness, especially as poorest were hardest hit. Some men burned their draft cards or refused to join-was criminal offence, so 'draft dodgers' had to go into hiding to avoid arrest. Some fled to Canada. Men from wealthier families avoided or postponed being called up by going to college or by studing abroad.

Answer 30

US trops were sent to village of My Lai in South, told would come under VC fire. Found only women, children and old men. Killed everyone theyfound at least 347 possibly over 500, as well as their animals, stopped to eat lunch, then returned to base.

Answer 31

Sergent Ron Haeberberle accompanied by a soldier.

Answer 32

People in USA not sure what to believe about what taken place. Government accused of withholding information. Photos of massacre released to CBS news in December and public saw this as evidence of serious cover-up. US public horrified.

Answer 33

Lt Calley led military action at My Lai on day of massacre. Claimed thathad been acting on direct orders from his seniors when massacre carried out.

Answer 34

Peers Enquiry later found that Calley was indeed following orders and that high-level army officials, including generals, involved in cover-up.

Answer 35

Foun guilt of 22 murders, sentenced to life in prision, sentence later reduced to 3 years. Controversially, even though 18 further officers had chrges brought against them, nosoldier faced trial.

Answer 36

Photos of shooting of students were published across USA and worls. Public shocked and outraged in USA and worldwide by what happened after. White middle-class were unarmed and 2 of dead students had been simply bystanders, not even involved in protests.

Answer 37

Cold War made Amerians paranoid about 'communist threat'. By 1954 fear of communism spreading to other countries was still very strong although domestically fear lessened. Eisenhower first used phroase 'falling domino' at news conference in 1954 to express concerns about spread of communism. Kennedy in his inaugral speach as president, argued US security would be undermined as result of domino effect.

Answer 38

Many Americans concerned to keep USA's standing in world as high as possible. Didn't want defeat in Vietnam to lead country 'losing lose'. Some Amricans were very patriotic and saw it as their utmost duty to accept authority of government and to do their part in supporting country, whatever cost. Believed fighting communism in Vietnam was patriotic obligation. Many working-class people broadly supported aims of war.

Answer 39

Construction workers actively supported Vietnam war. At protest in May 1970, group hearing hard hats beat up anti-war protestors. Police made little attempt to protect anti-war demonstators.

Answer 40

In telelvised speech on 3rd November 1969, Nixon argued that 'the great silent majority' of Amerians supported his Vietnam policy. Was right. Survey showed 77% of Americans backed his plans for Vietnam war.

Answer 41

Congress passed resolution approving Nixon's approach in Vietnam. Nixon show North that he had strong support, helping him to persuade the mto reach a settlement. Nixon could hold out for and exit from V ietnam that, in theory, allowed USA to withdraw with 'honour'.

Answer 42

Victory in Vietnam no longer seemed possible, especially after Tet. Growing opposition to war, congress was reluctant to finance constinuation of war. Nion was keen to appear the peacemaker in Vietnam for political gain at home.

Answer 43

High numbers of dead and wounded, cost of war, war could drag on for years to come.

Answer 44

China and USSR wanted North to make peace and might withdraw help. North was being bombed heavily.

Answer 45

After negotiaions had broken down in 1972 further ta;ks began in Paris on 8th January 1973. All parts of peace agreement were to be international body, USA would pay for reconstruction.

Answer 46

All countries would accept Vietnam as a single country through independent negotiation (only national negotiations). Would be immediate ceasefire. US troops, equitment and advisers would be withdrawn and military bases removed. Would be no US government intervention in Vietnameses politics or military. Government of new unified Vietnam would be chosen in fair and independent elections.

Answer 47

Paris Peace Agreement, signed in USA, North and South Vietnam and Provisional Revelutionary Govenment of Vietnam on 27th January 1973 brought end to war.

Answer 48

Agreement gave USA oppertunaty to withdraw form Vietnam. Yet in long run failed to secure future of independent non-communist South. South's economy crashed due to bad harvests and large reduction in US aid and investment. Contributed to unpopularity of new south government, and VC soon popular in cillafe communities once again.

Answer 49

Continued to seek united, communist Vietnam and became impatient with refusal of Presidet of South President Thieu, to talk. Resumed combat with South in late 1974. ARVN couldn't fend off attacks but congress wouldn't approve funds for USA to intervene. South capital, Saigon fell in April 1975.

Answer 50

War cost US economy $167 billion. Expense led to cutbacks in federal spending on domestic isssues and caused economic problems.

Answer 51

58,000 US soldiers died, 75,000 left in serious permanent disability; 850,000 suffered severe metal health problems, including post-traumatic stress. High rate of suicide among veterans.

Answer 52

Vietnam was 1 country, North had good geographical and cultural understanding of South. Many in North/South wanted to be reunited. North had good knowledge of natural environment in South. Shared language. North expected full commitment of war form young to old. Children trained in military and given roles. Believed fighting and dying for country was matter of honour. Opposing aim of war wasn't option in North. Open political opinon not allowed.

Answer 53

Fromn 1965, after US military escalation took hold, USSR became North's main source of economic aid.

Answer 54

From start of war against French, China gace technical military and financial help to North. After 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident, marked turning pint for US involvement in Vietnam, Chinese dramatically increased support for North and VC in South. Between 1965-1971 over 320,000 Chineses troops were sent to North.

Answer 55

Gurelilia tactics of North allies, VC, were difficult ot undermint. VC were used to fighting in jungle conditions and were well organised an dequipped dor guerrila-style warfare.

Answer 56

Strong commitment of VC in North troops was also difficult to challange, as had clear ideology about why needed to win war and reasons why fight. In comparison ARVN recieved poor training and didn't have same levels of belief in what were fighting for.

Answer 57

Laos and Cambodia allowed Ho Chi Minh Trail to operate in their countries. Was vital supply route for North to reach VC in South. Military caused USA al lot of difficulty. Thousands of Vietnamese were involved in keeping route open and workable. Ameruicans used biological weapons to deforest jungle and expose trial, yet despite this route kept going throughout war.

Answer 58

Vietnam was very 'alien' to most Americans who didn't understand anything about country were at war with. US soldiers found war more difficult as result. Many Americans underestimated enemy and held ignorant and racist views about their inferiority as an opponent. US military leaders and strategists didn't try to understand conflict from viewpoint of Vietnamese people and this put them at real disadvantage.

Answer 59

For 1st time, USA fought war wherer noclear public agreement about whether is justified. 1st time in US history war veterens wanted war to stop and handed in medals in protest. Lot of media critisism about war aims and methods used. US government ignored public opposition to war but ultimately had to listen to anti-war movement, as presidents and members of congress relied on public support to be elected. When congress restricted funding of war after 1971, were shortages of equpment for US troops.

Answer 60

US army benefited from superior military technology, including helicopters and advanced weaponry.

Answer 61

Failied inits tactics, mistakenly believing that victory could be won by developing more troops and ordering more bombing of North. Over-estimated itss sucesses, basing calculation on how many villages that destroyed or VC thay killed rather than how much territory they controlled.

Answer 62

Propaganda claimed USA wanted ddemocracy for South, South saw USA as simply foreign power interfering in their country. So US backed Sout government was unpopular. Also hated its ties to French colonial intrests of past that were seen as anti-Vietnamese.

Answer 63

Many local in South had far more sympathy with ideas and values of VC and North than with government imposed on them by USA.

Answer 64

War led to growing guild between public previously trusted istitutions, e.g. government and armed forces

Answer 65

Returning soldiersoften met with real hostility. As anti-war movement grew, veterans could be targeted as 'baby killers'. Sometimes were verbally orphysically attacked. Some veterans found it difficult to find work.

Answer 66

High suicide rate among returning soldiers. After ww2, veterans were treated as heroes, yet men returning from Vietnam were sometimes outcasts who felt that US society had let them down. They had been made to fight a war that US society as a whole didn't support, and they carried responsibility and guilt for this.

Answer 67

As well as war expenditure, US socity was affected by lack of resources to address problems had domestically. E.g. Johnson's 'Great Society' agenda, which aimed to reduce inequality and racial divisions, lost money that was spent on war instead.

Answer 68

Reputation of USA was diminished as result of war in Vietnam. US government was concerned that involvement abroad should not lead to similar problems to those encountered in Vietnam.

Answer 69

By end of 1975, whole of Vietnam was under communist government, so war seemed to have neen pointless. In 1950s, American public had respect for its government but 20 years later general feeling was that people should be more questioning of power of, and decisions made by, government. War played big part in shift in attitude towards government.