The Vietnam War Overview

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the Vietnam War as discussed in the APUSH review.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

A resolution passed by Congress that gave President Johnson broad powers to conduct military operations in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war.

Domino Theory

The theory that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow, leading to a chain reaction.

Vietnamization

Nixon's strategy to reduce American involvement in the Vietnam War by transferring military responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces.

Credibility Gap

The distrust between the American public and the Johnson administration regarding the progress and reality of the Vietnam War.

Tet Offensive

A major surprise attack by North Vietnamese forces in 1968 that marked a turning point in U.S. public opinion about the Vietnam War.

Military Advisors

U.S. personnel sent to Vietnam under Kennedy's administration, purportedly for support rather than direct combat.

Lyndon B. Johnson

The U.S. President who escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War following Kennedy's assassination.

Escalation

The increased military presence and commitment to combat in Vietnam during the 1960s.

North vs. South Vietnam

The division of Vietnam post-decolonization, with North Vietnam being communist and South Vietnam being supported by the U.S.

Ho Chi Minh

The leader of North Vietnam and a key figure in the communist movement in Vietnam.