Vietnam War

Ho Chi Minh

Vietnamese revolutionary leader and founder of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. He played a crucial role in the fight for Vietnam's independence from French colonial rule.

Ngo Dinh Diem

The first President of South Vietnam, serving from 1955 until his assassination in 1963. He was known for his anti-communist stance and authoritarian rule.

Vietcong

A communist-led guerrilla force in South Vietnam that fought against the government of South Vietnam and its American allies during the Vietnam War.

Vietminh

A national front organization founded in 1941 to seek Vietnam's independence from French colonial rule and to fight against Japanese occupation during World War II.

ARVN

The Army of the Republic of Vietnam, the official ground force of South Vietnam, which fought alongside U.S. and allied forces during the Vietnam War.

SEATO

The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, formed in 1954 to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia through collective defense.

William Westmoreland

The commander of U.S. military operations in the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968, known for his strategy of attrition against North Vietnamese forces.

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)

A student organization founded in 1960 that advocated for civil rights, anti-war protests, and social change, playing a significant role in mobilizing protests against the Vietnam War.

Muhammad Ali

An American professional boxer and activist, known for his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War on religious grounds, becoming a prominent figure in the anti-war movement.

Robert McNamara

The U.S. Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1968, he played a key role in shaping U.S. military strategy and policies, later expressing regret over the war's escalation.

Eugene McCarthy

A politician and anti-war activist who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1968, advocating for a rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam.

Early Anti-War Movement

The grassroots efforts and protests against U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, beginning in the early 1960s, which included students, activists, and various cultural figures advocating for peace and immediate withdrawal.

Vietnamese Assassination Squads

Covert teams used by the South Vietnamese government, often with U.S. support, to target and eliminate suspected communist sympathizers and insurgents during the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Veterans Anti-War (VVAW)

A group formed by veterans of the Vietnam War to protest against the war and promote veterans' issues, notably known for the Winter Soldier Investigation in 1971.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945)

The 32nd President who opposed French colonial rule in Vietnam and supported Vietnamese independence during World War II, but died before U.S. policy on Vietnam was fully shaped.

Harry Truman (1945-1953)

33rd President who supported France in its fight against the Viet Minh, marking the beginning of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Dwight Eisenhower (1953-1961)

34th President who introduced the "Domino Theory" and provided military aid to South Vietnam to prevent communist expansion.

John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)

35th President who increased U.S. military advisors in Vietnam, backing South Vietnam against communist forces. He was also the fourth U.S. president to be assassinated after Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley.

Lydon B. Johnson (1963-1969)

36th President who was JFKs VP who escalated U.S. military presence in Vietnam, leading to significant troop increases and greater conflict.

Richard Nixon (1969-1974)

37th President who pursued "Vietnamization," reducing U.S. troops while increasing support for South Vietnam, and eventually ended American involvement in the war with the Paris Peace Accords.

The colonization of Vietnam (pre WWI)

refers to the establishment of French colonial rule in Vietnam, characterized by the exploitation of resources and suppression of local culture. This period laid the groundwork for nationalist movements seeking independence.

The occupation of Vietnam (WWII)

refers to the Japanese control of Vietnam during World War II, which led to significant hardships and the weakening of French colonial authority, contributing to the rise of nationalist movements.

Battle of Dien Bien Phu

A decisive battle in 1954 where Vietnamese forces defeated the French, leading to the end of French colonial rule in Indochina.

Geneva Convention of 1954

An agreement that resulted in the temporary division of Vietnam into North and South at the 17th parallel, intended to provide a framework for peace and the eventual reunification of the country.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

A Joint Resolution passed by the US Congress in 1964 that authorized military action in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war.

Operation Rolling Thunder

A sustained bombing campaign launched by the U.S. against North Vietnam, aimed at damaging their infrastructure and morale, beginning in 1965.

Assassination of MLK

The assassination of civil rights leader on April 4, 1968, had a profound impact on the civil rights movement and led to widespread riots and calls for justice.

Assassination of Robert Kennedy

The murder of U.S. Senator on June 5, 1968, shortly after delivering a victory speech in Los Angeles, California. His assassination shocked the nation and intensified political and social turmoil during the 1960s.

Battle of Khe Sanh

A major battle during the Vietnam War that took place from January to April 1968. It involved a prolonged siege by North Vietnamese forces against U.S. Marines stationed at Khe Sanh.

Tet Offensive

A series of surprise attacks by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces on January 30, 1968, targeting key cities and military bases in South Vietnam. It marked a significant turning point in public perception of the Vietnam War.

Attack on the Embassy in Saigon

A significant event during the Vietnam War where North Vietnamese forces attacked the U.S. Embassy in Saigon on January 31, 1968, showcasing the vulnerability of U.S. military presence in Vietnam.

1968 Democratic Convention

A political event held in Chicago in August 1968, where protests erupted against the Vietnam War, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police. The convention highlighted the divisions within the Democratic Party over the war and social issues.

Election of Richard Nixon

The election in 1968 marked a major political shift, as he campaigned on a platform advocating for law and order, and the promise to bring an end to the Vietnam War through a policy of "Vietnamization." His victory over Hubert Humphrey reflected a growing discontent with the handling of the war and social unrest in the country.

My Lai Massacre

A mass killing of between 347 and 504 unarmed South Vietnamese civilians by U.S. Army forces on March 16, 1968, during the Vietnam War. This event highlighted the atrocities of war and sparked widespread outrage both domestically and internationally.

The lottery (regarding the draft)

a system used during the Vietnam War to select individuals for mandatory military service based on random drawing of numbers.

Bombing of Cambodia

A covert U.S. military campaign from 1969 to 1970 that targeted North Vietnamese forces and supply routes in Cambodia, aiming to disrupt the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Kent State

Refers to the shootings on May 4, 1970, where National Guardsmen fired on students protesting the U.S. invasion of Cambodia, resulting in four deaths and sparking national outrage.

Pentagon Papers

A secret Department of Defense study that revealed the U.S. government's misleading information regarding the Vietnam War, later leaked to the press in 1971.

Paris Peace Accords

A 1973 agreement intended to establish peace in Vietnam, leading to the withdrawal of U.S. troops and a ceasefire between North and South Vietnam.

Withdrawal of American Troops

The 1973 agreement aimed to establish peace in Vietnam, leading to the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces and the end of direct American involvement in the conflict.

War Powers Act

A 1973 federal law that checks the president's power to commit the U.S. to armed conflict without Congress's consent, requiring notification of Congress within 48 hours of military action.

Domino Theory

The belief that if one country falls to communism, neighboring countries will also succumb, similar to a chain reaction.

Containment

A geopolitical strategy to prevent the spread of communism by restricting it to its existing borders.

Napalm

A flammable liquid used in warfare, particularly during the Vietnam War, known for causing severe burns and destruction.

Agent Orange

A herbicide and defoliant chemical used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to destroy crops and vegetation, often linked to severe health issues among veterans and Vietnamese civilians.

Vietcong Tunnels

A network of underground tunnels used by North Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War for transportation, military operations, and to evade detection.

Hawks and Doves

Terms used to describe opposing viewpoints during the Vietnam War, with "Hawks" supporting military action and "Doves" advocating for peace and withdrawal.

Ho Chi Minh Trail

A network of supply routes used by North Vietnamese forces to transport troops and supplies from North Vietnam to South Vietnam, crucial for the war effort.

Americanizing the war

The process of increasing American military involvement in Vietnam to achieve a decisive victory and stabilize the South Vietnamese government.

The policy of Vietnamization

sought to reduce American involvement in the Vietnam War by transferring combat responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces while gradually withdrawing U.S. troops.

“Baby Killers”

A derogatory term used to describe American soldiers during the Vietnam War for their perceived role in harming civilians, particularly children, through violent military actions.

Living Room War

A term used to describe the Vietnam War's portrayal in American homes through television coverage, highlighting the contrast between the reality of combat and public perception.

Credibility gap

The disparity between the U.S. government’s optimistic public statements about the Vietnam War and the harsh realities reported by journalists and the media, leading to public skepticism.

Vietnam War Memorial

A monument in Washington, D.C., dedicated to U.S. service members who fought in the Vietnam War, honoring their sacrifices and providing a space for reflection and remembrance.

Initially, how did the US get involved in the Vietnam War?

U.S. joined Vietnam War in the 1950s, backing South Vietnam and France with money and advice against communism. Full military action began after 1964’s Gulf of Tonkin incident, aiming to stop communist expansion.

How did Americans feel about the Vietnam War before, during, and after?

Before: Americans mostly supported the war, fearing communist expansion.
During: Support declined as casualties rose and media exposed harsh realities. Protests surged.
After: Disillusionment set in post-withdrawal, shaping skepticism toward future wars.

What was the response of African Americans to the Vietnam War? To the Draft?

African Americans were often disproportionately drafted and faced systemic inequalities. Many protested against the war, viewing it as a diversion from civil rights issues, while some spoke out against racial discrimination within the military.

Why did many people consider the draft unfair?

Many people viewed the draft as unfair due to its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, particularly African Americans and low-income individuals, who were more likely to be drafted than their wealthier counterparts. Critics argued it reinforced existing socio-economic disparities.

Identify several effects/results of the Vietnam war on America (the American People)

• Distrust in Government: War eroded public confidence in leaders.

• Veteran Struggles: PTSD, injuries, and tough reintegration.

• Economic Strain: Massive spending led to inflation.

• Political Changes: War Powers Resolution limited presidential military actions.

• Cultural Impact: Fueled protests, shaped music, film, and literature.

• Foreign Policy Shift: U.S. became cautious about future wars.