Vietnam War Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and events related to the Vietnam War, providing important definitions and concepts for study.

Vietnam War

A conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from November 1, 1955, until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.

French colonization

Period during which Vietnam was colonized by France from 1850 to the 1940s, focusing on economic and strategic objectives.

Mission civilisatrice

France’s objective during colonization to 'civilize' the Vietnamese.

Forced labor

System in which Vietnamese people were compelled to work under harsh conditions for French colonial interests.

Việt Minh

A national independence coalition formed during World War II that fought for Vietnam's independence from foreign rule.

August Revolution

A movement led by the Việt Minh to seize control of Vietnam and declare independence on September 2, 1945.

First Indochina War

Conflict from 1946 to 1954 in which the Việt Minh fought against French colonial forces to gain independence.

Battle of Điện Biên Phủ

Decisive battle on May 7, 1954, resulting in the defeat of French forces and a significant victory for the Việt Minh.

17th Parallel

The line drawn to divide Vietnam into North Vietnam (communist) and South Vietnam (non-communist) following the French departure.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

A series of alleged naval confrontations in August 1964 that escalated US involvement in the Vietnam War.

Tet Offensive

A major campaign in January 1968 by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces that aimed to surprise and undermine US and South Vietnamese morale.

My Lai Massacre

An incident in March 1968 where US soldiers killed a large number of unarmed Vietnamese civilians, leading to global outrage.

Paris Peace Accords

Agreement signed on January 27, 1973, intended to establish peace in Vietnam and end the Vietnam War.

Fall of Saigon

The capture of Saigon by North Vietnamese forces on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule.