Unit 9 Vietnam War, Watergate, and 1970s Turmoil

Vocabulary flashcards covering major terms from the Vietnam War, Watergate scandal, and 1970s economic and political challenges.

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Cold War conflict in Southeast Asia where the U.S. fought to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam.

Domino Theory

Cold War idea that if one nation fell to communism, neighboring countries would also fall, justifying U.S. intervention in Vietnam.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964)

Reported attacks on U.S. naval vessels off Vietnam’s coast, used to justify escalation of the war.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Congressional measure granting President Johnson broad military powers in Vietnam without a formal war declaration.

Escalation

Rapid increase of U.S. troops and bombing campaigns in Vietnam after 1964.

Vietnamization

Nixon’s policy of transferring combat roles to South Vietnamese forces while gradually withdrawing U.S. troops.

My Lai Massacre (1968)

Killing of hundreds of Vietnamese civilians by U.S. soldiers; its exposure fueled anti-war sentiment.

Draft Protests

Public demonstrations against compulsory military service during the Vietnam War.

Fall of Saigon (1975)

Capture of South Vietnam’s capital by North Vietnamese forces, marking the end of the war.

Watergate Scandal (1972-1974)

Political scandal involving a break-in at DNC headquarters and subsequent cover-up that led to President Nixon’s resignation.

Woodward & Bernstein

Washington Post journalists whose investigation helped uncover the Watergate scandal.

Deep Throat

Secret informant (FBI’s Mark Felt) who provided key information to reporters during Watergate.

Executive Privilege

President’s claimed right to withhold information from other branches; limited after Watergate.

War Powers Act (1973)

Law restricting the president’s ability to commit U.S. forces abroad without congressional approval.

Oil Crises (1973 & 1979)

Energy shortages triggered by OPEC actions, leading to fuel lines and higher prices.

OPEC

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries; its embargoes caused 1970s oil shocks.

Stagflation

Economic condition of simultaneous high inflation and stagnant growth experienced in the 1970s.

Silent Majority

Term Nixon used for Americans who quietly supported his policies despite vocal protest movements.