Unit 17: Vietnam War Vocab part 2

Kent State Shootings

the killing of four protesters at Kent State University in 1970 by National Guard troops; reports of the shootings led to increased anti-war protests

MIA

missing in action

My Lai Massacre

a massacre of hundreds of Vietnamese civilians in 1968; reports of the killings shocked Americans and increased opposition to the war

Pentagon Papers

a top-secret Pentagon study of the U.S. role in Vietnam that was leaked to the press in 1971, revealing that previous administrations had deceived Congress and the public about the war

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

a mental illness suffered by about half a million Vietnam veterans, with symptoms including anxiety, irritability, nightmares, and depression

POW’s

prisoners of war

Tet Offensive

a major offensive in 1968 by Viet Cong and NVA soldiers that resulted in growing opposition among Americans to the war

Vietnam Syndrome

the reluctance of many Americans to the United States becoming involved in a military conflict unless assured of a quick victory

Vietnamization

President Richard Nixon's policy of having the government of South Vietnam gradually take over the conduct of the war, especially ground combat

War Powers Resolution

a resolution passed by Congress in 1973 placing strict limits on a president's powers to use armed forces in hostilities without congressional approval