Modern History QCE U4 Vietnam War

My Lai Massacre (Event)

The killing of between 347 and 504 unarmed South Vietnamese civilians by U.S. Army soldiers on March 16, 1968. The massacre, and its cover-up, fuelled anti-war sentiment and raised questions about U.S. military conduct.

Battle of Long Khanh (Event)

A 1971 operation by the 1st Australian Task Force in the province of Long Khanh, targeting Viet Cong bases and supply lines. It demonstrated the continued efforts of Australian forces to disrupt Viet Cong activities.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident (Event)

In early August 1964, two U.S. destroyers stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam were fired upon by North Vietnamese forces. In response, President Lyndon B. Johnson requested permission from the U.S. Congress to increase the U.S. military presence in Indochina.

Moratorium Protests (Event)

Large-scale anti-war demonstrations in the United States in 1969 and 1970, involving millions of Americans calling for an end to U.S. involvement in Vietnam. They reflected widespread public discontent with the war.

Battle of Dien Bien Phu (Event)

On May 7, 1954, the French-held garrison at Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam fell after a four month siege led by Vietnamese nationalist Ho Chi Minh. After the fall of Dien Bien Phu, the French pulled out of the region.

Tet offensive

A massive surprise attack by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces in 1968, targeting over 100 cities and outposts in South Vietnam. Although militarily unsuccessful, it shocked the U.S. public and led to increased opposition to the Vietnam War.

Battle of Long Tan (Event)

A significant confrontation during the Vietnam War on August 18, 1966, where 108 Australian soldiers held off a much larger Viet Cong force in a rubber plantation near Long Tan village, showcasing the valor and effectiveness of the Australian forces.

Geneva Accords (Event)

Agreements made in 1954 that temporarily divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel, establishing North and South Vietnam and calling for nationwide elections in 1956, which were never held, leading to further conflict.

Korean War (Event)

A conflict from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and South Korea, supported by United Nations forces led by the United States. It set the stage for U.S. anti-communist policies in Asia, including Vietnam.

Paris Peace Accords (Event)

The 1973 peace accords intended to end the Vietnam War, which included a ceasefire, the withdrawal of U.S. troops, the return of prisoners of war, and the political future of South Vietnam to be determined by the Vietnamese people.

National Service Act (Event)

Australian legislation enacted in 1964, requiring compulsory military service for men selected through a lottery system. Many of these conscripts, known as "Nashos," served in the Vietnam War. It was repealed in 1972.

Viet Minh (Group)

A nationalist and communist-led coalition founded in 1941 by Ho Chi Minh to fight for Vietnamese independence from French colonial rule and Japanese occupation during World War II. It played a crucial role in the First Indochina War against the French.

Viet Cong (Group)

The communist insurgency in South Vietnam, also known as the National Liberation Front (NLF), that fought against the South Vietnamese government and U.S. forces, employing guerrilla tactics and receiving support from North Vietnam.

ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) (Group)

The military forces of South Vietnam, which were heavily supported by the United States in their fight against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War.

PAVN (People's Army of Vietnam) (Group)

The regular army of North Vietnam, often referred to as the North Vietnamese Army (NVA), which played a major role in the conflict against South Vietnam and U.S. forces.

Vietnam Veterans (Group)

Individuals who served in the military during the Vietnam War, including those from the U.S., Australia, and other allied nations, many of whom faced significant challenges upon returning home.

Boat people (Group)

Refugees who fled Vietnam by boat after the fall of Saigon in 1975 to escape the communist regime. Many faced perilous journeys and sought asylum in various countries.

Battalion (Group)

A military unit typically consisting of 300 to 800 soldiers, commanded by a lieutenant colonel, and forming part of a brigade or regiment.

Company (Group)

A military unit typically consisting of 80 to 150 soldiers, commanded by a captain or major, and forming part of a battalion.

Nashos (Group)

Australian conscripts who served under the National Service Act, many of whom were deployed to Vietnam during the war. The term is derived from "National Servicemen."

Military Advisers (the team) (Group)

U.S. and allied personnel who provided training, support, and strategic advice to South Vietnamese forces, particularly before large-scale U.S. troop deployments.

Paul Hasluck (People)

An Australian politician who served as Minister for External Affairs from 1964 to 1969. He played a key role in shaping Australia's foreign policy during the Vietnam War and was a strong advocate of Australia's involvement in the conflict.

Robert Menzies (People)

The Prime Minister of Australia from 1939 to 1941 and again from 1949 to 1966. Menzies committed Australian troops to the Vietnam War in 1965, aligning Australia with U.S. anti-communist policies.

John Gorton (People)

The Prime Minister of Australia from 1968 to 1971. Gorton supported the continuation of Australia's military involvement in Vietnam but also initiated policies that began to scale back direct combat roles.

Gough Whitlam (People)

The Prime Minister of Australia from 1972 to 1975. Whitlam ended Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War and was a vocal critic of the war

Ho Chi Minh (People)

The leader of the Viet Minh and the North Vietnamese President. He was a key figure in the struggle for Vietnamese independence from French colonial rule and later led North Vietnam during the Vietnam War

Richard Nixon (People)

The President of the United States from 1969 to 1974. Nixon implemented the Vietnamization policy to reduce American troop involvement and initiated peace talks that led to the Paris Agreement in 1973, eventually leading to the end of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) (People

The President of the United States from 1963 to 1969. Johnson escalated U.S. military involvement in Vietnam significantly following the Gulf of Tonkin Incident and faced intense domestic opposition to the war.

Harold Holt (People)

The Prime Minister of Australia from 1966 to 1967. Holt famously declared Australia's strong support for the U.S. during the Vietnam War with the phrase "All the way with LBJ” signalling Australia's commitment to the conflict.

North Vietnam (Places)

The communist-led state established in 1954, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, with its capital in Hanoi. It sought to reunify Vietnam under communist rule.

South Vietnam (Places)

The anti-communist state established in 1954, officially known as the Republic of Vietnam, with its capital in Saigon. It was supported by the United States and other anti-communist allies.

South-East Asia (Places)

The region encompassing Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and surrounding areas, which was a major theater of Cold War conflicts including the Vietnam War.

Demilitarised Zone (Place)

A buffer zone established by the Geneva Accords of 1954 at the 17th parallel, separating North and South Vietnam. It was heavily fortified and the site of many conflicts.

17th Parallel (Place)

The provisional military demarcation line set by the Geneva Accords dividing North and South Vietnam, intended to be temporary but effectively becoming a permanent border until 1975.

French Indo-China (Place)

The region of Southeast Asia colonized by France, including Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, until the end of French rule following the First Indochina War in 1954.

Nui Dat (Place)

The main base for the 1st Australian Task Force in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, serving as a strategic military hub during the Vietnam War.

SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) (Alliance)

A regional defence alliance formed in 1954 to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, including member countries like the U.S., UK, France, Australia, and others.

ANZUS (Australia

A 1951 security pact ensuring mutual defence and cooperation among Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, primarily aimed at countering communist influence in the Pacific region.

Socialism (Ideology)

A political and economic system advocating for collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, aiming for social equality and reducing class disparities.

Communism (Ideology)

A political and economic ideology seeking to establish a classless society where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. Prominent in North Vietnam's government.

Nationalism (Ideology)

A political ideology focused on promoting the interests, culture, and identity of one's nation, often in opposition to foreign influence or control, and a driving force behind Vietnam's independence movements.

Capitalism (Ideology)

An economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit in a competitive market. It was promoted by the U.S. and its allies during the Cold War.

Ideology

A system of ideas and ideals that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy, influencing the actions and beliefs of individuals and governments.

Containment (Policies)

A U.S. foreign policy strategy aimed at preventing the spread of communism worldwide, primarily through military and economic support to vulnerable countries.

Vietnamisation (Policies)

A policy introduced by President Nixon to gradually withdraw U.S. troops from Vietnam and transfer combat responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces, aiming to empower them to defend their own country.

Forward defence (Policies)

An Australian defence policy involving the deployment of military forces to distant regions to counter threats before they reach Australia, exemplified by Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War.

Collective security (Policies)

An international relations concept where a group of nations agree to jointly defend any member that is attacked, promoting mutual protection and reducing the likelihood of aggression.

Conscription (Policies)

Mandatory enlistment of individuals into military service, as implemented by several countries, including Australia and the U.S., during the Vietnam War to meet troop demands.

Birthday lottery (Policies)

A system used in Australia and the U.S. to randomly select men for conscription based on their birth dates, ensuring a fair and impartial draft process during the Vietnam War.

Domino Theory (Ideas/Beliefs)

The belief that the fall of one country to communism would lead to the spread of communism to neighbouring countries, influencing U.S. involvement in Vietnam to prevent regional dominoes from falling.

Yellow Peril (Ideas/Beliefs)

A racist ideology from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that viewed Asian people, particularly Chinese and Japanese, as a threat to Western civilization and culture.

Anzac Legend (Ideas/Beliefs)

The national mythology surrounding the bravery, sacrifice, and camaraderie of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers, particularly during World War I, and influencing national identity and military heritage.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Legacy)

A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, affecting many Vietnam War veterans and leading to long-term psychological and emotional challenges.

Agent Orange (Legacy)

A herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to remove forest cover and crops. Its use caused severe health issues and environmental damage, affecting millions of Vietnamese and veterans.

Korean War (1950-1953) (Military Engagement in Asia)

Belligerents: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) v the Republic of Korea (South Korea), and their allies

Location: North and South Korea

Reason for fighting: Australia was concerned for the security of the region, and also desired to strengthen its military relationship with the US with a commitment of troops (17 000 Australians were sent)

The Malayan Emergency (1950-1960) (Military Engagement in Asia)

Belligerents: Communist forces (Malayan Communist Party) v British Empire and Commonwealth forces (UK, Singapore, Australia etc..)

Location: British colony of Malaya

Reason for fighting: to deter external communist aggression against countries in south-east Asia, especially Malaya and Singapore. (Australia sent 7000 troops)

The Indonesian Confrontation (1962-1973) (Military Engagement in Asia)

Belligerents: The Commonwealth of Nations (UK, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, NZ) v Indonesia (supported by minor communist groups)

Location: Borneo and Malay Peninsula

Reason for fighting:

Ho Chi Minh Trail

Strategic supply route that ran from North to South Vietnam, running through Laos and Cambodia. It allowed North Vietnam to enter South Vietnam undetected, and infiltrate with supplies, weapons and troops

Operation Rolling Thunder

A gradual and sustained aerial bombardment campaign conducted by the US and and Republic of Vietnam Air Force against North Vietnam from 2 March 1965 until 2 November 1968.

4 main objectives was to boost morale of South Vietnam, persuade North Vietnam to cease its support for the communist insurgency in South Vietnam, destroy North Vietnam's transportation system, and to halt the flow of troops and weapons into South Vietnam

Considered a failure due to NV developing radar detection of US aircrafts

Killed 90000 Vietnamese people

Operation Commando Hunt

Cover US aerial campaign

The operation's objective was to stem the flow of enemy troops, vehicles, and supplies that moved down the Ho Chi Minh Trail through Laos and into South Vietnam.

Aerial interdiction - destroying something as a preventative measure

Orthodox

Traditional view

Views the war as a necessary struggle against the spread of communism, and was part of a broader Cold War conflict

Seen as a strategic obligation to prevent the domino effect.

Servile Australian Perspective

Critical of Australia’s involvement in`

Revisionist Perspective

Challenges the orthodox view by questioning the justification for the war all together

Re-evaluates the motives and actions of the US and its allies, including Australia

Argue that the war was a mistake, driven by flawed policies, misunderstandings, and misrepresentations of the situation in the Vietnam

Highlights the human cost of the war, including immense suffering of Vietnamese people, and critiques the notion that the war was a fight for freedom and democracy

Emphasise that the war was more about US imperialism rather than a legitimate fight against communism.

Human Agency Perspective

Focuses on the role of individual decisions, actions and experiences in shaping the Vietnam War

this perspective considers how the choices of political leaders, military commanders, and ordinary people influence the outcome of the war

Might explore personal motivations of leaders such as Ho Chi Minh, LBJ, Paul Hasluck, and how their decisions impacted the war

Also considers the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and activists, recognising that an individual’s agency played a crucial role in shaping both conduct and legacy of the war