Key Events and Figures of the Vietnam War

French Indochina

French colonial territory formed in 1883, combining Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

French Indochina War

(1946-1954) Conflict where France tried to reassert control over Vietnam post-WWII; supported by the U.S. until defeat at Dien Bien Phu.

Ho Chi Minh

Vietnamese revolutionary; founded the Indochinese Communist Party in 1930; fled to China in 1924.

Domino Theory

The belief that if one country falls to communism, neighboring countries will also fall—espoused by President Eisenhower.

Geneva Accords

1954 peace agreement dividing Vietnam at the 17th Parallel into Communist North and non-Communist South until 1956 elections.

President Kennedy

Sent 700 advisors (eventually 16,000 by 1963) to train South Vietnam's army to resist Communist forces.

Ho Chi Minh Trail

Network of paths through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia used by North Vietnam to supply the Vietcong.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

1964 event where North Vietnam allegedly attacked the USS Maddox, leading to increased U.S. military involvement.

Tonkin Gulf Resolution

Authorized President Johnson to use military force in Vietnam without declaring war.

President Johnson & Vietnam

Increased U.S. military presence post-1964 election, aiming to stop the spread of communism; key officials: Robert McNamara, Dean Rusk.

General William Westmoreland

U.S. Commander in South Vietnam; requested increased troop deployment, reaching 500,000 troops by 1967.

Operation Rolling Thunder

Aerial bombing campaign (1965-1968) against North Vietnam.

Napalm

Flammable gasoline-based bomb used to destroy jungle cover and expose Vietcong.

Agent Orange

Toxic herbicide used to defoliate forests and reveal enemy positions; caused long-term health effects.

Search and Destroy Missions

Military raids aimed at eliminating Vietcong; often destroyed villages and displaced civilians.

Draft

Mandatory military service; 2.6 million served, average age was 19.

Credibility Gap

Public skepticism due to differing reports between government statements and televised reality of war.

Hawks vs. Doves

"_______" supported the war; "_______" opposed it.

Antiwar Movement

Youth-led protests (SDS, Free Speech Movement); opposed the draft and war policies.

Civil Rights Activists

Opposed war; argued it diverted resources from social programs and disproportionately affected African-Americans.

Tet Offensive

Major Vietcong/North Vietnam attack in Jan 1968 on over 100 cities; shocked U.S. public and shifted opinion against the war.

Clark Clifford

Became Secretary of Defense in 1968; believed the war was unwinnable.

My Lai Massacre

U.S. troops killed over 200 unarmed South Vietnamese civilians in 1968; led by Lt. William Calley Jr.; intensified antiwar sentiment.

"Living Room War"

Nickname for the Vietnam War because of how extensively it was televised, affecting public perception.

Walter Cronkite's Statement

Influential journalist expressed doubt about U.S. success, marking a turning point in public opinion.