Cold war 1/30

Vietnam war

A prolonged conflict between communist North Vietnam and U.S. backed South Vietnam.

Silent majority

Americans who supported Nixon and opposed protests.

Fall of saigon

The 1975 capture of South Vietnam's capital by communist forces.

Deployment

The movement or stationing of military forces.

Gulf of Tonkin resolution

A 1964 resolution granting the president broad war powers in Vietnam.

Domino theory

The belief that if one nation fell to communism, neighboring nations would follow.

Beat generation

A literary movement criticizing conformity and materialism.

Conscription (Draft)

Mandatory military service required by the government.

Credibility gap

Public distrust of government statements about the Vietnam War.

Tet offensive

A major 1968 North Vietnamese attack during the Vietnam War.

Geneva conference / Geneva accords

Agreements that temporarily divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel (1954).

Anti war movement

Widespread opposition to U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Vietnamization

Nixon's policy to transfer combat roles to South Vietnamese forces.

War powers resolution

A 1973 law limiting presidential war-making authority.

Kent state university

Site where National Guard troops killed four student protesters in 1970.

26th amendment

Amendment lowering the voting age from 21 to 18.

Counterculture

A youth movement rejecting traditional values.