chapter 17 Vietnam war

French Indochina

Vietnam was a French colony where the Vietminh, led by Ho Chi Minh, fought for independence.

Geneva Accords (1954)

The agreement that split Vietnam at the 17th parallel into North Vietnam (Communist) and South Vietnam (Anti-Communist).

Domino Theory

Belief that if one country falls to communism, nearby countries would too, used to justify U.S. involvement.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964)

An alleged attack on U.S. ships that led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, giving President Johnson broad war powers.

Operation Rolling Thunder

A sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam.

Vietcong

South Vietnamese Communist rebels who used guerrilla tactics during the Vietnam War.

Tet Offensive (1968)

A major surprise attack by the Vietcong on U.S. forces that turned American public opinion against the war.

My Lai Massacre (1968)

An incident where U.S. troops killed hundreds of Vietnamese civilians, sparking outrage.

Vietnamization

Nixon’s plan to gradually withdraw U.S. troops and replace them with South Vietnamese forces.

Paris Peace Accords (1973)

An agreement in which the U.S. agreed to withdraw from Vietnam, though fighting continued.

Fall of Saigon (1975)

The event in which North Vietnam captured South Vietnam’s capital, leading to Vietnam's unification under communism.

War Powers Act (1973)

A law that limited presidential power to send troops without Congressional approval.

Credibility Gap

The growing distrust in government reports compared to media coverage during the Vietnam War.

Kent State Shooting (1970)

An event where the National Guard killed 4 student protesters, reflecting the tensions of the era.

President Lyndon B. Johnson

U.S. President who escalated military involvement in Vietnam following the Gulf of Tonkin Incident.

President Richard Nixon

U.S. President who implemented Vietnamization and sought to end American involvement in the war.

General William Westmoreland

U.S. Army General who commanded forces during the Vietnam War.

Ho Chi Minh

Leader of the Vietminh and a key figure in the fight for Vietnamese independence.