HIST 102 - VIETNAM WAR

Who colonized Indochina in the 19th century?

French Empire; by 1887, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia became "Indochine."

What event triggered the questioning of European colonial authority in Indochina?

Japan’s takeover during WWII after France’s 1940 defeat.

What concept describes the mental shift away from colonial justification after WWII?

“Decolonisation of the mind.”

What was Ho Chi Minh’s birth name and early background?

Nguyen Sinh Cung, born 1890; educated, worked abroad, moved to France in 1911.

What international appeal did Ho Chi Minh make in 1919?

Petitioned at the Paris Peace Conference for Vietnamese independence—ignored.

What political affiliations did Ho Chi Minh develop in France and beyond?

Co-founded the French Communist Party (1920); later joined the Communist International in Moscow.

What major anti-colonial organization did Ho Chi Minh found?

Viet Minh (League for the Independence of Vietnam), May 1941.

What event triggered the First Indochina War in 1946?

France reasserted control after the Viet Minh seized power in North Vietnam post-WWII.

How did the Cold War affect the First Indochina War?

The U.S. began supporting France from 1950, fearing communist expansion.

What decisive battle ended French rule in Vietnam?

Battle of Dien Bien Phu (1954)—France defeated by Viet Minh.

What was the outcome of the Geneva Accords (1954)?

Vietnam temporarily divided into North and South; elections planned but never held.

Why did the U.S. increase involvement in Vietnam after 1954?

Fear of communism spreading—domino theory, especially after China and Korea.

Who was the South Vietnamese leader supported by the U.S.?

Ngo Dinh Diem—corrupt, Catholic elite, unpopular with rural Buddhists.

What marked the start of formal U.S. involvement in the war?

Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964) and Resolution—Johnson given war powers.

Why was the Vietnam War considered ‘a war like no other’?

Guerrilla warfare, jungle terrain, no clear front, civilian toll, chemical warfare, media coverage.

What was Operation Ranch Hand?

U.S. chemical defoliation campaign (1962–1970); 75 million liters sprayed, 1.8 million hectares affected.

What was the Tet Offensive (1968)?

Massive surprise attack by North Vietnamese during Lunar New Year—psychological blow to U.S.

What were the consequences of the Tet Offensive?

U.S. public turned against the war; shattered belief in an imminent victory; fueled protests.

How did the Vietnam War affect U.S. society?

Sparked massive anti-war and counter-culture movements; protest became mainstream.

Why did the Vietnam War become so controversial in the U.S.?

High casualties, unclear goals, televised brutality, draft issues, mistrust in government.

How did the U.S. begin to exit the war?

Nixon (1969) promoted Vietnamization; escalated bombing while starting peace talks.

What ended U.S. involvement in Vietnam?

Paris Peace Accords (January 1973); U.S. troops withdrew; war continued.

What happened in April 1975?

Fall of Saigon; North Vietnamese victory; Vietnam reunified under communist rule.

What was New Zealand’s role in the Vietnam War?

Initially sent medics, later deployed artillery and Air Force support under U.S. pressure.

When did the RNZAF evacuate personnel?

21 April 1975—38 embassy staff evacuated from Vietnam.

How did Vietnam affect U.S. confidence and global power status?

Shattered post-WWII optimism; public distrust of leadership; showed limits of U.S. power.

How did Vietnam impact the Cold War structure?

Shift from bipolar Cold War to multipolar global politics.

What broader movements did the war influence?

Rise of people-power, environmentalism, and human rights; individuals challenged state power.