[11] Vietnam War

What was the Domino theory

When one country falls to communism other countries may fall like dominoes

What is the policy of Containment?

The policy adopted by the USA during the Cold /War to stop the spread of Communism

Before WW2 who owned Vietnam?

The French, Vietnam was a colony in French empire known as Indo-China

What happened to Vietnam during WW2

Japan occupied Vietnam uniting Annam, Cochin China and Tonkin into one region called Vietnam

What happened after Vietnam were occupied during WW2?

In 1941, the Communist nationalist Vietminh, led by Ho Chi Minh, fought the Japanese. In 1945, Vietnam declared independence.

After Vietnam gained independence, who wanted Vietnam again and what did they do what was the result to this?

France fought the Vietminh, funded by the USA due to fears of communism in Vietnam. The Vietminh defeated the French at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954.

What is Indochina?

A French colony in South East Asia that included modern day Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia

Who was the leader of South Vietnam and who were they backed by?

Ngo Dihn Diem who was backed by the USA

Who was the leader of North Vietnam and who were they backed by?

Ho Chi Minh who was backed by the Soviet Union

What happened after Vietnam gained independence from France?

The Viet Minh agreed to the Geneva Peace Accord in 1954 meaning Vietnam would temporarily be divided north and south

What happened which escalated the start of the Korean War

Alleged attacks on U.S. ships in the Gulf of Tonkin led President Lyndon B. Johnson to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, allowing full-scale U.S. military action.

How did the Korean War start?

On March 2nd 1965 - Without a declaration of war, US aircrafts began bombing targets in North Vietnam and the first US troops arrived in Vietnam

Who replaced John F Kennedy after being assasinated

In 1963 President Johnson replaced Kennedy

What did North Vietnam use to fight in the War

Guerilla Warfare

What were the events of the Vietnam War?

On February 6, 1965, the Vietcong attacked the Pleiku air base in South Vietnam, killing nine U.S. service members and destroying five helicopters. Johnson retaliated with the "Flaming Dart" bombing campaign on February 7 and 11, 1965. This led to the Rolling Thunder bombing campaign, which began on March 2, 1965.

Why did American involvement in Vietnam increase under Eisenhower?

Eisenhower knew Truman had become less popular when China became communist and wanted to prevent Vietnam becoming communist

Why did American involvement in Vietnam increase under Kennedy?

Kennedy, sensitive to claims of being too young and inexperienced, wanted to assert himself in foreign affairs. Coming from an anti-communist family, he had emphasized his strong anti-communist stance during his campaign, which meant he had to maintain this foreign policy once in power.

Why did American involvement increase under Johnson?

Johnson was deeply patriotic and committed to South Vietnam for national honor. He felt obligated to continue Kennedy's policies after the assassination. Johnson viewed Ho Chi Minh as another Hitler, and most of his advisers wanted the USA to become more involved in Vietnam.

When did China become communist?

In 1949

What was the extent of public support in the USA of the war in Vietnam

In 1968, news anchor Walter Cronkite publicly stated that the war could not be won by force, leading many in the US to oppose the war, viewing it as unwinnable and immoral.

What was the Tet Offensive and when was it launched

January 1968 - Surprise offensive attacks by the Viet - Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers through a 2 month period taking US towns and attacking Embassy in Saigon.

What were the stats of the Tet offensive?

70,000 North Vietnamese and VC troops attacked over 100 cities and military bases included Saigon

What were the events of the My Lai Massacre?

The My Lai Massacre took place on the morning of March 16, 1968, when Charlie Company launched a search and destroy mission in My Lai, believing there was a VC headquarters with 200 troops. Initially seen as a success and covered up, the massacre was revealed a year later when Ronald Ridenhour wrote a letter to 30 leading politicians.

How did the Vietnamese War end?

In January 1973, the US and North Vietnamese government signed the Paris Peace Accords which Nixon declared as “Peace with honor”

For how long was Truman president for?

1945 - 1952

For how long was Eisenhower president for?

1952 - 1960

For how long was Kennedy president for?

1960 - 1963

For how long was Johnson president for?

1963 - 1969

For how long was Nixon president for?

1969 - 1974