Korean War & Vietnam War.docx

Korean War

Conflict between North Korea (supported by China and the USSR) and South Korea (supported by the USA and the UN) from 1950-1953.

Domino Effect

The fear that if one country falls to communism, neighboring countries will also fall.

MacArthur

American General who led UN forces during the Korean War and advocated for a more aggressive approach.

Vietnam War

Conflict between North Vietnam (supported by China and the USSR) and South Vietnam (supported by the USA) from 1950-1973.

Vietcong

Communist guerrillas in South Vietnam who fought against the government and the US during the Vietnam War.

Tet Offensive

Major offensive by the Viet Cong in 1968, leading to a turning point in American public opinion against the war.

Vietnamization

Nixon's policy of replacing US troops with South Vietnamese forces to gradually withdraw from Vietnam.

My Lai Massacre

Notorious incident in 1968 where US troops killed hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians.

Paris Peace Treaty

Agreement in 1973 that led to the withdrawal of US forces from Vietnam but allowed the Viet Cong to remain in the South.

Detente

Period of improved relations between the USA and the USSR in the 1970s, despite the Vietnam War.