Vietnam War

What was the First Indo-China War (1946–1954)?

A war where the Viet Minh fought the French to gain independence after WWII.

Who were the Viet Minh fighting and what tactics did they use?

They fought France using guerrilla warfare and had strong peasant support.

Why was the Battle of Dien Bien Phu (1954) important?

The Viet Minh defeated the French, forcing them to leave Vietnam.

What did the Geneva Accords (1954) decide?

Vietnam was divided at the 17th parallel; elections for reunification were promised but never held.

How did the Cold War cause U.S. involvement in Vietnam?

The U.S. feared the “domino theory” – if Vietnam fell to communism, the rest of Asia might too.

Who was Ngo Dinh Diem and why was he unpopular?

Leader of South Vietnam; corrupt, anti-Buddhist, oppressive.

What was the Buddhist Crisis (1963)?

Protests against Diem’s regime after monks set themselves on fire in opposition to persecution.

What happened in the Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964)?

U.S. claimed its ships were attacked by North Vietnamese boats; led to Gulf of Tonkin Resolution allowing escalation.

What were the strengths of North Vietnam and the Viet Cong?

Guerrilla warfare, knowledge of terrain, tunnels, popular support, Soviet/Chinese aid

What were the strengths of the U.S. and ARVN?

Superior weapons, air power, helicopters, chemical warfare (napalm, Agent Orange).

What were the weaknesses of North Vietnam?

Inferior weapons, heavy casualties, reliance on Ho Chi Minh Trail.

What were the weaknesses of the U.S. and ARVN?

Couldn’t identify enemy, ARVN corruption and low morale, public opposition at home.

Could America win the Vietnam War?

Militarily yes, but politically no — they lost public support and failed to secure South Vietnam.

What was the Tet Offensive (1968)?

A surprise attack by the Viet Cong/North Vietnam on cities and U.S. bases during New Year

Why was the Tet Offensive significant?

Military loss for Viet Cong but psychological victory — U.S. public lost faith in war.

What was the My Lai Massacre (1968/69)?

U.S. troops killed 300–500 civilians, suspected of being north vietnmese. women raped, eledrly and children killed.; scandal when revealed in 1969.

Why was My Lai significant?

Destroyed U.S. credibility, increased protests against war.

What happened at Kent State University (1970)?

National Guard killed 4 students protesting the war.

Why was Kent State significant?

Showed deep divisions in the U.S.; fuelled anti-war sentiment.

How did the U.S. public view the war?

Initially supportive, but after Tet, My Lai, and Kent State, protests grew, draft resistance increased

How did U.S. presidents influence the war?

Johnson escalated with bombing and troops; Nixon pursued “Vietnamization” but secretly expanded war into Cambodia; eventually sought peace.

What role did the media play in the Vietnam War?

First “television war” — graphic coverage (e.g., napalm girl, My Lai) turned public opinion against war.

What role did ARVN play?

Dependent on U.S. support, poorly motivated; collapsed quickly after U.S. withdrawal in 1975.