Vietnam/1970s

Counter-culture (hippies)

A youth movement in the 1960s that rejected mainstream values, promoting peace, love, and anti-war activism

26th Amendment

Lowered the U.S. voting age from 21 to 18.

Ho Chi Minh

Communist leader of North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Geneva Conference

1954 meeting that divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel

Vietcong

Communist guerrilla fighters in South Vietnam.

Domino Theory

Belief that if one country falls to communism, others will follow.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Gave the U.S. president authority to use military force in Vietnam without declaring war.

Napalm

Flammable chemical used in bombs during the Vietnam War.

Agent Orange

oxic herbicide used by the U.S. in Vietnam, causing severe health issues.

Tet Offensive

1968 surprise attack by North Vietnamese forces, weakening U.S. support for the war.

Roy Benavides

U.S. soldier and Medal of Honor recipient for bravery in Vietnam.

Credibility gap

Public distrust in the government, especially during the Vietnam War.

Henry Kissinger

U.S. diplomat who played a key role in foreign policy and ending the Vietnam War.

Vietnamization

Nixon’s strategy to withdraw U.S. troops and transfer war responsibilities to South Vietnam.

War Powers Resolution

1973 law limiting the president’s ability to send troops without congressional approval.

“Silent majority”

Term used by Nixon for Americans who supported the Vietnam War but were not vocal.

Pentagon Papers

Secret government documents leaked in 1971, revealing deception in the Vietnam War.

Environmental Protection Act (EPA)

1970 law creating the EPA to regulate pollution and protect the environment.

Detente

Easing of Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Watergate Scandal

Political scandal that led to Nixon’s resignation in 1974.

Gerald Ford

U.S. president (1974–1977) who took office after Nixon resigned and pardoned him.

Stagflation

Economic condition with high inflation and unemployment but slow growth.

OPEC

Organization of oil-producing countries that controls oil prices and supply

Embargo

A government ban on trade with a specific country.

Camp David Accords

1978 peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, brokered by the U.S.

Iran Hostage Crisis

1979 event where 52 Americans were held hostage in Iran for 444 days.