Vietnam War (1954-75) Flashcards
Why did the US decide to become involved in the Vietnam war?
- Helping the French
- South Vietnam Weakness
- Fear of Communism
- Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964)
Why did the US become involved to help the French?
The US had previously funded a lot of the French military for their war effort. The US wanted to protect their investment. When the French were defeated at Dien Bien Phu (1954), the US needed to become involved.
Why did the US become involved as a result of South Vietnam weakness?
The US had already supported the ARVN and Diem. However, Diem’s government was weak and unpopular. Without US help, they may not have been long-lived.
Why did the US become involved because of Communism?
The US saw communism as the largest threat to world peace. They wanted to prevent its spread, and thought it Vietnam fell to communism, neighbouring countries would eventually as well. This was called the Domino Theory.
Why did the US become involved after the Gulf of Tonkin Incident?
President Johnson already wanted to become involved in the Vietnam War. However, Congress would not fund this war effort as they didn’t want to be aggressors. Once the North Vietnamese had attacked US boats, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This gave Johnson power to ‘take all necessary measures to prevent further aggression and achieve peace and security’ in Vietnam
What 5 tactics did the US use during the Vietnam war?
- Strategic Hamlets Programme (reducing communist
influence - “Search and Destroy” patrols
- Bombing Campaigns (Operation Rolling Thunder)
- Herbicides (Agent Orange)
- Napalm
What is Napalm?
A chemical weapon which was used to destroy the jungles. However, it burnt people’s skin.
What type of warfare did the Viet Cong use?
Guerilla Warfare. This was hiding in the jungle and ambushing American soldiers.
What 5 tactics did the VC use during the Vietnam war?
- Ambushes
- Booby Traps
- Underground tunnels
- Ho Chi Minh trail
- Winning over the Vietnamese people
When was the Tet Offensive?
January 1968
Why was the Tet Offensive successful?
The VC caught the ARVN and US by surprise. The offensive was launched during a vietnamese holiday.
1954
French surrender
1968
Tet Offensive
My Lai
1964
Gulf of Tonkin
1969
Nixon president
