vietnam

North Vietnam

Communist side backed by China and the Soviet Union during the Vietnam War.

South Vietnam

Non-Communist side backed by the United States during the Vietnam War.

Domino Theory

The belief that if one nation becomes communist, nearby nations will follow suit, used as a rationale for containment.

Tonkin Gulf Resolution

A Congressional approval in 1964 that allowed President Lyndon B. Johnson to escalate the Vietnam War without a formal declaration of war.

Tet Offensive

A surprise attack launched by North Vietnamese forces against South Vietnam and U.S. troops in January 1968.

Vietnamization

Policy under Nixon aimed at training South Vietnamese forces and reducing U.S. troop presence in Vietnam.

Fall of Saigon

The capture of Saigon by North Vietnamese forces in April 1975, effectively ending the Vietnam War.

Hawks

Supporters of the Vietnam War who believed in increasing military force to win.

Doves

Critics of the Vietnam War who believed the U.S. should withdraw.

Credibility Gap

The difference between what the government said and what actually happened, leading to a loss of trust, especially during LBJ's presidency.

Living Room War

Media coverage that allowed Americans to watch the Vietnam War on television, leading to public disillusionment.

Pentagon Papers

Documents that revealed the U.S. government misled the public about its intentions in Vietnam.

War Powers Act

A law passed in 1973 limiting the President's ability to send military troops into combat without Congressional approval.

26th Amendment

Amendment that changed the voting age from 21 to 18.

Roy Benavidez

A soldier who rescued troops during a firefight and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Ho Chi Minh

The leader of North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Robert McNamara

U.S. Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War.

William Westmoreland

U.S. General in charge of military operations in Vietnam.