vietnam war first exam

What was the primary purpose of the Geneva Conference in 1954?

To determine the future of French Indochina after an eight-year war.

What provisional demarcation line was established at the Geneva Conference?

The 17th parallel, dividing Vietnam into North and South.

What agreement did the Geneva Conference result in, despite the US not signing it?

The Geneva Accords, which included a truce between France and the Viet Minh.

What was Ngo Dinh Diem's reaction to the Geneva Conference?

He denounced France for not consulting him regarding the government.

What significant military event preceded the Geneva Conference?

The siege of the French garrison at Dien Bien Phu.

What was the impact of the fall of Dien Bien Phu on French morale?

It had a ruinous effect, leading to public mourning and calls for accountability.

Who was the US Secretary of State during the Geneva Conference?

John Foster Dulles.

What were the differing priorities of the US and Britain at the Geneva Conference?

The US aimed to prevent Vietnam from falling under communist control, while Britain was more focused on repairing relations with the Soviet Union.

What did the US achieve at the Geneva Conference regarding communist troops?

The removal of all communist troops from Cambodia and most from Laos.

What was the timeline for elections in Vietnam as agreed upon at the conference?

Free elections were to be held in 1956 with hopes for reunification.

How did the end of the Korean War influence the US's position at the Geneva Conference?

It allowed the US to focus on preventing communist expansion in Vietnam.

What was Zhou Enlai's stance during the Geneva Conference?

He wanted to accommodate French soldiers and prioritize China's interests over Vietnam's.

What was the Soviet Union's approach at the Geneva Conference?

They sought peaceful coexistence with the US and supported France in staging out of Asia.

What was the outcome of the negotiations regarding the partition of Vietnam?

The parties agreed on the 17th parallel, but many details remained unresolved.

What did Georges Bidault refuse to agree to during the conference?

He refused to agree to split Vietnam.

What was Pierre Mendes-France's ultimatum at the Geneva Conference?

He promised to resign if he failed to obtain a ceasefire in Indochina.

What were the only documents signed at the Geneva Conference?

A ceasefire agreement and verbal agreements.

How did the US violate the Geneva Accords?

By not adhering to the agreement to not use force to violate the accords.

What was the outcome of the battle of Dien Bien Phu?

It ended the first Vietnam War between the French and communist Vietnam.

What significant conference took place in 1954 regarding Vietnam?

The Geneva Conference, which led to the division of Vietnam into North and South.

Who was the leader of South Vietnam supported by Eisenhower?

Ngo Dinh Diem

What was Eisenhower's approach to foreign policy during his presidency?

He maintained a focus on military decision-making and was insulated from public pressures.

What did the Atlantic Charter of 1941 guarantee?

It guaranteed people the right to choose their form of government.

How did Ho Chi Minh initially view the United States?

He courted U.S. support as a nationalist before becoming more aligned with communism.

What was the significance of the Potsdam Conference regarding Vietnam?

It established the tasks of disarming Japanese forces and set the stage for future conflicts in Vietnam.

What was the Franco-Vietnamese War?

A conflict between French colonial forces and the Viet Minh, leading to Vietnam's independence.

What was Eisenhower's stance on U.S. involvement in the Franco-Vietnamese War?

He refused to authorize U.S. military intervention despite pleas from French leaders.

What was the outcome of the Korean War in terms of territorial boundaries?

The boundaries remained largely unchanged from before the war.

What was the significance of the 38th parallel in the Korean War?

It served as the dividing line between North and South Korea.

Who was Douglas MacArthur and what happened to him during the Korean War?

He was a U.S. General who was fired by Truman for insubordination.

What were the peace talks during the Korean War primarily focused on?

They focused on the repatriation of prisoners of war.

What was the impact of the death of Stalin on the Korean War?

It contributed to the end of the war and the establishment of an uneasy ceasefire.

What did Eisenhower's supporters claim about his foreign policy decisions?

They claimed he kept the U.S. out of an unwinnable war in Vietnam.

What was the role of the United Nations in the Korean War?

UN forces intervened to support South Korea against North Korean aggression.

What was the significance of the media's portrayal of the Korean War?

It often depicted Asians in a demeaning manner, reflecting broader societal attitudes.

What was the reaction to Truman's comments about using atomic bombs during the Korean War?

His comments caused international consternation and were seen as ill-considered.

What was John Foster Dulles' role in U.S. foreign policy during this period?

He was Secretary of State and advocated for a strong stance against communism.

What was the significance of the Geneva Accords?

They temporarily divided Vietnam and set the stage for future conflict.

How did Eisenhower's decision-making style influence his presidency?

It allowed him to remain focused and make prudent judgments without public pressure.

What did Ho Chi Minh declare on September 2, 1945?

He declared Vietnamese independence, citing the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

What was the outcome of the U.S. support for France in Vietnam?

It became increasingly open and militant, recognizing the French puppet regime.

What was the significance of the term 'containment' in U.S. foreign policy?

It referred to the strategy of preventing the spread of communism.

What did Eisenhower's refusal to intervene in Vietnam signify?

It indicated a reluctance to support colonial powers and a focus on independence for Vietnam.

What was the role of the Viet Minh during the Franco-Vietnamese War?

They were the nationalist and communist forces fighting for Vietnam's independence.

What was the impact of the Korean War on U.S. military spending?

It led to increased military and defense spending in the U.S.

What was the public's reaction to MacArthur's firing?

Many Americans sided with MacArthur and were critical of Truman.

What did Eisenhower's biographer say about his leadership?

He described Eisenhower as a 'big dawg' and a great leader.

What was the main goal of the Korean War?

To unite Korea under a non-communist regime.

What was the 38th parallel?

The line that divided Korea into North and South, established after World War II.

Who was the leader of North Korea during the Korean War?

Kim Il-sung.

What was the initial response of the U.S. to North Korea's invasion of South Korea?

The U.S. sought to provide military support to South Korea after the invasion.

What was Truman's stance on military commitments regarding Korea?

He made no formal military commitments at the UN meeting regarding Korea.

What was the significance of the Inchon landing?

It was a successful surprise attack that turned the tide of the war in favor of UN forces.

How did President Truman and General MacArthur differ in their military strategies?

Truman wanted to limit the war to avoid provoking China, while MacArthur aimed for total victory.

What was the outcome of the Korean War in terms of U.S. military casualties?

The war resulted in approximately 30% casualties among U.S. forces.

What was the impact of McCarthyism on American politics?

It created a climate of fear and suspicion regarding communism, affecting many lives and careers.

Who was Joseph McCarthy?

A U.S. Senator known for his anti-communist crusade during the early 1950s.

What was the public perception of McCarthy's anti-communism efforts?

While initially supported, his tactics were later criticized and he lost political power by 1954.

What was the role of the United Nations during the Korean War?

The UN authorized military intervention to assist South Korea against the North Korean invasion.

What was the outcome of the Korean War?

The war ended in a stalemate, with Korea remaining divided at the 38th parallel.

What was the significance of the term 'limited war' in the context of Vietnam?

It referred to the U.S. strategy of avoiding full-scale war while still engaging in military actions.

What was the public's reaction to the Korean War?

Many Americans supported the war initially, viewing it as a stand against communism.

What were the conditions faced by U.S. soldiers during the Korean War?

Soldiers faced harsh weather, poor training, and inadequate supplies, leading to high casualty rates.

What was the significance of the term 'civilian-led military' in relation to Johnson's Vietnam strategy?

It emphasized Johnson's desire to control military actions and avoid escalation of the war.

What was the impact of the Korean War on U.S. foreign policy?

It solidified the U.S. commitment to containing communism and influenced future military engagements.

How did the Korean War begin?

North Korean troops invaded South Korea in June 1950, leading to a UN response.

What was the significance of the phrase 'the Forgotten War'?

It reflects the perception that the Korean War is often overshadowed by other conflicts like World War II and Vietnam.

What was a major consequence of the U.S. misreading Stalin's role in Korea?

It led to a lack of adequate support for South Korea, contributing to the North's initial success.

What was the outcome of the UN forces' intervention in Korea?

UN forces were able to push back North Korean troops and stabilize the situation in South Korea.

Why did Truman face criticism regarding his handling of the Korean War?

He did not seek congressional approval for military action, setting a controversial precedent.

Who attempted to rehabilitate Joseph McCarthy's image?

Stanton Evans

What was Richard Powers' view on McCarthy's impact on anti-communism?

He believed McCarthy discredited anti-communism due to his sloppy and reckless methods.

What significant event occurred on January 1950 involving Alger Hiss?

Alger Hiss was convicted of perjury.

What did McCarthy claim to have at a women's conference on February 9, 1950?

He claimed to have a list of 305 names of communists in the State Department.

What was the title of McCarthy's best speech at the 1952 Republican convention?

One Communist Too Many

What was a major criticism of McCarthy's methods?

He never produced evidence to support his explosive charges.

Which prominent figures did McCarthy attack?

Dean Acheson and George Marshall

What was McCarthy's political strategy during the Red Scare?

He exploited fears of communism to gain attention and political advantage.

What did Truman say about McCarthy's accusations?

He declared there was not one word of truth in McCarthy's accusations.

What was the outcome of the Millard Tydings committee investigation into McCarthy?

The committee concluded that McCarthy's allegations were a hoax.

What was the public perception of McCarthyism among Republicans?

Many Republicans supported McCarthy for political gain, despite some opposition.

What was the significance of the Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954?

They were televised and exposed McCarthy's ruthless tactics to the public.

What phrase did Joseph Welch famously ask McCarthy during the hearings?

'Have you no sense of decency?'

What was the result of the Senate vote to condemn McCarthy?

44 Democrats, 1 Independent, and 22 Republicans voted to condemn him.

What was the effect of McCarthy's downfall on the Red Scare?

The Red Scare began to abate after McCarthy's fall.

Who was the head of the FBI during the Red Scare?

J. Edgar Hoover

What was the Smith Act?

A criminal act that made it illegal to advocate the overthrow of the government by force.

What was the public sentiment towards communism in America by 1946?

67% of Americans favored outlawing the Communist Party.

What was one consequence of McCarthyism on freedom of speech?

It limited freedom of speech, making liberal intellectuals vulnerable to accusations.

What was the role of media during McCarthy's rise?

The media often failed to demand evidence for McCarthy's charges.

What did McCarthy's supporters often share in common?

They were typically from working-class backgrounds with regional resentments.

What was Eisenhower's approach to dealing with McCarthy?

He used a subtle approach, encouraging opposition without direct confrontation.

What ultimately led to McCarthy's decline in power?

His aggressive attacks on the Army during televised hearings.

What was the impact of the Red Scare on U.S. foreign policy?

It led to a militarized response and a refusal to recognize China.

What was the fate of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg?

They were executed for espionage.

What was a common characteristic of McCarthy's accusations?

They were often based on fear rather than evidence.

What was the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) known for?

Investigating alleged communist activities in the United States, particularly in Hollywood.

Who was John Rankin and what was his stance on civil rights?

John Rankin was an anti-Semitic and racist politician who denounced civil rights activities in the 1950s.

What was Richard Nixon's involvement with HUAC?

Nixon was a member of HUAC and was persistent in probing left-wing communist activities.

What significant event occurred in Hollywood in 1947?

HUAC probed left-wing communist activity during a profitable movie year.