The Vietnam War

Domino Theory

The fear that if one Southeast Asian nation fell to the communists, the others would too.

Ho Chi Minh

Head of the league of independence of Vietnam, also known as Vietminh.

Dien Bien Phu

Decisive battle where the Vietminh defeated the French, leading to the end of French rule in Vietnam.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Passed by Congress in 1964, giving LBJ complete control over American involvement in Vietnam after reported attacks on US ships.

Tet Offensive

Major offensive launched by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese in 1968, a turning point in the Vietnam War.

Agent Orange

Herbicide used by the US to destroy jungle foliage and expose Viet Cong hiding places.

Napalm

Jelly-like substance used in bombings that caused uncontrollable fires.

Vietnamization

Nixon's plan to gradually replace American forces with South Vietnamese soldiers.

Kent State

Site of a clash between students protesting the invasion of Cambodia and the National Guard, resulting in the death of four students.

Paris Peace Talks

Negotiations that led to a peace agreement in 1973, requiring the US to withdraw troops and end military activity in Cambodia and Laos.