Vietnam - summary to why the US failed Flashcards
What were the geographical strengths of the Viet Cong?
Knew the landscapes - good for guerrilla warfare.
What were the cultural strengths of the Viet Cong?
Many VC had contacts and family in the South.
What were the political strengths of NV?
Laos and Cambodia allowed the Ho Chi Minh trail in their countries.
Well-organised.
Committed to reunification.
What were the economic strengths of NV?
Had financial help from the USSR and China ($3bn)
What were the military strengths of the VC?
Tunnel networks.
Guerrilla tactics worked well in jungles.
What were the geographical weaknesses of the US?
Didn’t understand the country or environment.
What were the cultural weaknesses of the US?
Didn’t understand the peasants/villagers.
What were the political weaknesses of the US?
They backed an undemocratic and unpopular government.
What was the economic weakness of the US?
Congress limited funding after 1971.
What were the military weaknesses of the US?
Helicopters and bombs did not work against guerrilla warfare.
Chemical weapons and search and destroy made Vietnamese civilians hate the US.
US soldiers morale dropped as war dragged on.
How did the draft lead to inexperienced soldiers?
It meant that soldiers had served for just a year before they went into battle.
How did opposition in the US lead to failure in Vietnam?
Protests influenced the governments to withdraw.
