Vietnam war

What tactics did U.S. and Australian troops struggle against in Vietnam?

Guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the Viet Minh, including mobile hit-and-run attacks.

What was the psychological impact of guerrilla warfare on U.S. and Australian soldiers?

It led to feelings of vulnerability and lower morale among troops.

What was the Ho Chi Minh Trail used for?

It was a supply route for the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Minh, transporting weapons and supplies.

What was Operation Rolling Thunder?

A U.S. bombing campaign aimed at destroying the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which ultimately failed to prevent supplies from reaching the communists.

What were the effects of Agent Orange in Vietnam?

It destroyed crops and villages, caused severe health issues, and decreased local support for the U.S.

What was the purpose of search and destroy missions?

To locate and eliminate Viet Minh and NVA units in the countryside.

What was a consequence of the My Lai Massacre?

It increased support for the Viet Cong within Vietnam and generated negative media coverage in the U.S. and Australia.

What was the significance of the Tet Offensive?

It was a massive counter-attack by the NVA and Viet Minh that shocked Americans and changed media portrayal of the war.

How did the Tet Offensive affect U.S. public opinion?

It led to a major shift in public opinion against the war and increased anti-war protests.

What was Lyndon Johnson's strategy regarding the Vietnamese people?

He aimed to win the 'hearts and minds' of the Vietnamese to gain their support for U.S. troops.

What contributed to the loss of U.S. domestic support for the Vietnam War?

Factors included the growing body count, critical media coverage, and military failures.

What was Richard Nixon's campaign slogan in the 1968 election?

'Peace with honour,' promising to find a way to end the Vietnam War.

What was Gough Whitlam's promise upon being elected Australian PM in 1972?

To end conscription in Australia.

What were 'Zippo Raids'?

Destruction of villages by U.S. troops out of frustration when they could not identify the enemy.

What was the impact of war photography on public opinion during the Vietnam War?

Graphic images reduced support for the war in the U.S. and Australia.

What was the outcome of the My Lai Massacre in terms of U.S. military reporting?

Initially reported as a success, it was later uncovered that the operation resulted in the murder of 347 civilians.

What was the role of the media during the Vietnam War?

The media's portrayal shifted from support to criticism, especially after events like the Tet Offensive and My Lai Massacre.

What were the consequences of the U.S. support for Diem's government in Vietnam?

It alienated the local population due to corruption and anti-Buddhist policies.

What was the significance of Walter Cronkite's commentary on the Vietnam War?

His prediction of a stalemate in the war influenced public perception and support.

What were the main weapons used by the U.S. in Vietnam?

Cluster bombs, Agent Orange, and napalm.

What was the effect of the Tet Offensive on U.S. military strategy?

It led to Johnson suspending bombing in Vietnam to pursue peace talks.

What was the impact of the growing body count on U.S. public opinion?

As casualties rose, public support for the war decreased significantly.

What was the outcome of the Tet Offensive for the Viet Minh and NVA?

It was a military failure for them, suffering 40,000 casualties without triggering a national uprising.

What did Ho Chi Minh proclaim for Vietnam?

An independent Vietnam.

What was the French objective upon returning to Vietnam?

To regain control of their colony.

How did Ho Chi Minh respond to the French return?

He used the Vietminh to attack them.

What was the initial American stance regarding French re-colonization of Vietnam?

The Americans opposed it.

What event in 1949 changed American support for the French in Vietnam?

China became a communist country.

What financial support did the Americans provide to the French?

Financial support for the French war effort.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954?

Ho Chi Minh's forces defeated the French.

What agreement was made at the Geneva Conference in 1954?

Vietnam would be temporarily divided.

Who ruled North Vietnam after the division in 1954?

Ho Chi Minh, a communist.

What type of government was established in South Vietnam?

An anti-communist military style government under General Diem.

What was agreed upon regarding elections in Vietnam after the division?

Free elections would be held to unite the country, but they were later cancelled.

What sparked the civil war in Vietnam?

The cancellation of the elections.

What was Ho Chi Minh's primary aim for Vietnam?

To drive out foreign influence and unite Vietnam as a free and independent communist state.

What were the North Vietnamese guerrillas called by the Americans?

Vietcong.

What ideological struggle developed after WW2 involving the USA?

The Cold War.

What policy did President Truman commit to in 1947?

A policy of containment to prevent the spread of communism.

What was the Domino Theory?

The belief that communism would spread through Indochina like falling dominoes.

What support did the US provide to South Vietnam between 1955 and 1964?

Money, weapons, and military advisors.

Why was Diem's government unpopular in South Vietnam?

It was unrepresentative of the majority peasant population and favored the ruling elite.

What extreme protest did some Buddhist monks engage in against Diem's government?

They burned themselves to death in protest.

What happened to Diem in 1963?

He was assassinated, possibly with CIA involvement.

What incident in the Tonkin Gulf escalated American involvement in Vietnam?

Alleged attacks on US destroyers by North Vietnamese torpedo boats.

What did President Johnson do in response to the Tonkin Gulf incident?

He justified the beginning of a prolonged air war against North Vietnam.

When were the first ground troops sent to Vietnam?

In 1965.

What was significant about the Vietnam War's media coverage?

It was the first war extensively reported on television and in newspapers without censorship, influencing public opinion.

How did early media representations of the Vietnam War portray American soldiers?

Initially, American soldiers, especially Green Berets, were praised as heroic figures.

What did Time magazine say about the Vietnam War in 1962?

Time magazine praised the war as 'a remarkable US military effort.'

What was the portrayal of South Vietnamese soldiers in Robin Moore's 1965 novel 'The Green Berets'?

South Vietnamese soldiers were portrayed unfavorably, referred to as 'lousy little dirty bug-outs.'

What was the focus of the film 'The Green Berets' starring John Wayne?

The film depicted American Special Forces as humanitarian heroes while emphasizing the brutality of the Vietcong.

What realization did the public come to regarding the portrayal of Vietnam in media?

Critics noted that the portrayal was idealized and did not reflect the harsh realities of the war.

What event in 1968 significantly changed public perception of the Vietnam War?

The Tet Offensive revealed the true conditions of the war and challenged previous narratives.

What was Walter Cronkite's notable broadcast about the Vietnam War in February 1968?

He declared that 'We Are Mired in Stalemate' and suggested that negotiation was the only rational way out.

What was the public reaction to the My Lai massacre?

While it horrified many, a significant portion of the public disapproved of the court-martial of Lieutenant Calley.

What was the outcome for Lieutenant Calley after the My Lai massacre?

He was sentenced to life imprisonment but had his sentence reduced and served only about three years.

How did media coverage of the Vietnam War evolve over time?

Initially pro-American, it became more critical as public opinion shifted against the war.

What was the significance of the 1972 image of villagers fleeing a napalm attack?

It highlighted the horrors of war and contributed to growing anti-war sentiment.

What role did student protests play in the anti-Vietnam War movement?

Students were among the first to protest, organizing events like the 36-hour 'teach-in' in 1965.

What was the Vietnam Day Committee?

A student group that organized protests against the Vietnam War, including a major teach-in in 1965.

How did Civil Rights activists respond to the Vietnam War?

They questioned the war's funding, arguing it diverted resources from domestic welfare programs.

What was Martin Luther King's stance on the Vietnam War?

He declared the war immoral, criticizing its cost in lives compared to spending on poverty.

What did Muhammad Ali do in relation to the Vietnam War?

He refused to be drafted, citing his opposition to the war.

What was the impact of the My Lai massacre on American soldiers' reputations?

Returning soldiers were stigmatized as 'baby killers' rather than being welcomed as heroes.

What was the public's perception of the media's role in shaping opinions about the Vietnam War?

Many believed media coverage horrified the public and turned them against the war.

What was the significance of the Tet Offensive in 1968?

It marked a turning point in public perception, revealing the war's brutal realities.

How did the portrayal of the Vietnam War in media differ from the actual events?

Media often glamorized the war and American soldiers, while the reality was much harsher.

What was the effect of graphic media coverage on public sentiment?

It contributed to a growing anti-war movement as the public became aware of the war's true horrors.

What was the response of the American public to the My Lai massacre?

Despite the horror, many Americans did not view Calley's actions as wrong.

What did the media fail to report about the My Lai massacre initially?

Details were ignored or covered up for 18 months before being exposed by journalist Seymour Hersch.

What was the impact of the Vietnam War on President Johnson's Great Society program?

The war's costs led to the cancellation of the Great Society initiatives.

What were the consequences for Black Americans regarding the Vietnam draft?

They were less likely to dodge the draft, more likely to be sent on active duty, and twice as likely to be killed as white Americans.

Who famously commented on the draft and what was the essence of his statement?

Muhammad Ali commented, 'No Vietcong ever called me ******', highlighting racial disparities in the draft.

How many young men evaded the Vietnam draft?

600,000 young men evaded the call-up.

What was one method used by draft dodgers?

Some publicly burned their draft papers and were arrested.

What was the official status granted to 170,000 Americans regarding the Vietnam War?

They received official conscientious objector status.

What were some reasons Americans opposed the Vietnam War?

1. Saw failures and atrocities on TV; 2. Hippies promoted 'make love not war'; 3. Draft dodgers wanted to avoid fighting; 4. It was seen as a waste of money; 5. Civil rights issues; 6. Genuine conscientious objectors; 7. Veterans ashamed of atrocities; 8. Police attacks on marches fueled determination; 9. Loss of confidence in America's moral right.

Who was Eugene McCarthy and what was his stance on the Vietnam War?

Eugene McCarthy was a Democratic presidential candidate in 1968 who campaigned on an anti-war platform.

What did Robert McNamara admit regarding Operation Rolling Thunder?

He admitted publicly that Operation Rolling Thunder was not working.

What were the Fulbright Hearings?

A series of 22 hearings held by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1971 to discuss proposals to withdraw from Vietnam.

What was John Kerry's role in the anti-war movement?

He represented returning veterans at the Fulbright Hearings, expressing their disillusionment with the war.

What significant event occurred at Kent State University on May 4, 1970?

National Guard troops shot four students during a protest against the US bombing of Cambodia.

What was the public response to the Kent State shootings?

100,000 demonstrators marched on Washington, and over four million students participated in a National Student Strike.

What was the Tet Offensive?

A major military campaign launched by North Vietnamese forces in January 1968, involving attacks on over a hundred towns and cities.

What was one theory about why the Tet Offensive was launched?

One theory suggests the Hanoi government believed the ARVN could not resist and that American unpopularity would incite a peasant uprising.

What were the immediate results of the Tet Offensive for the North Vietnamese?

They suffered at least 45,000 losses and their morale fell, leading to considerations of surrender.

What was the impact of the Tet Offensive on American public opinion?

It led to a credibility gap between government statements and public belief, contributing to President Johnson's decision not to seek re-election.

What was the outcome for South Vietnamese civilians during the Tet Offensive?

14,300 civilians were killed, 70,000 homes were destroyed, and there were 627,000 refugees.

What was the response of the American government to the anti-war protests?

Nixon attempted to reduce opposition by agreeing with anti-war aims but opposing their violence, and he made the draft fairer through a lottery system.

What did the opinion polls reveal about American sentiment towards the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1970?

The percentage of Americans who believed the war was a mistake increased from 24% in 1965 to 58% in 1969.

What was the significance of the anti-war march led by veterans in 1971?

It attracted half a million people and included veterans throwing away 700 medals in protest.

What was one of the criticisms made by William Fulbright during the Fulbright Hearings?

He criticized the 'fraudulent Gulf of Tonkin episode', which had removed congressional responsibility for the war.

What was the result of the Tet Offensive for the Vietcong?

Despite initial successes, the Vietcong suffered heavy losses and morale issues, leading to a shift in their military strategy.

How did the American military respond to the Tet Offensive?

American forces eventually recaptured towns like Hue after heavy fighting, but at a significant cost in civilian lives and infrastructure.

What was the credibility gap during the Vietnam War?

A disparity between what the government communicated and what the public believed.

What significant event occurred during the Tet Offensive in 1968?

The North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong launched major offensives, surprising the ARVN and capturing key locations.

What was the outcome of the Tet Offensive for the NVA?

The NVA suffered heavy casualties, with 45,000 soldiers killed, and their morale fell as soldiers deserted.

What was President Nixon's stance on the Vietnam War upon taking office?

Nixon aimed to end the war while maintaining America's global position and preventing a North Vietnamese victory.

What was 'Vietnamization'?

Nixon's policy to gradually withdraw American troops and transfer the responsibility of defense to the ARVN.