Vietnam Flashcards
Vietcong
Vietminh members that were fighting in South Vietnam
Vietminh
North Vietnamese nationalist group
Agent Orange
A herbicide dropped on the forests and bush in Vietnam to defoliate (strip the leaves from plants and trees) an area. This was done to expose hiding enemy troops. Many Vietnam veterans who had been exposed to Agent Orange during the war have shown an increased risk of cancer
ARVN
Acronym for “Army of the Republic of Vietnam” (South Vietnam’s army)
Containment
US policy during the Cold War which sought the prevention of the spread of Communism to other countries.
Demilitarised zone (DMZ)
The line that divided North Vietnam and South Vietnam, located at the 17th parallel. This line was agreed upon as a temporary border at the 1954 Geneva Accords.
Domino theory
A U.S. foreign policy theory that stated, like the chain effect began when even just one domino is pushed over, one country in a region that falls to communism will lead to surrounding countries also soon falling to communism.
Dove
A person who was against the Vietnam war.
DRV
Acronym for “Democratic Republic of Vietnam” (Communist North Vietnam).
Ho Chi Minh trail
Supply paths from North Vietnam to South Vietnam that travelled through Cambodia and Laos to supply the communist forces fighting in South Vietnam. Since the paths were mostly outside of Vietnam, the U.S. (under President Lyndon B. Johnson) would not bomb or attack the Ho Chi Minh Trail for fear of expanding the conflict to these other countries.
Napalm
A jellied gasoline that when dispersed by flamethrower or by bombs would stick to a surface as it burned. This was used directly against enemy soldiers and as a way to destroy foliage in order to expose enemy troops.
Tet offensive
The massive attack on South Vietnam by North Vietnam’s army and the Viet Cong began on January 30, 1968 (on Tet, the Vietnamese new year).
