unit 10: vietnam war

Ho Chi Minh

Communist leader of North Vietnam who fought for independence from France and later against the U.S.

Domino Theory

Belief that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

1964 measure giving President Johnson broad powers to escalate U.S. military involvement in Vietnam.

Tet Offensive

1968 surprise attack by the Vietcong on South Vietnamese cities; turned U.S. public opinion against the war.

Vietnamization

Nixon's strategy to gradually withdraw U.S. troops and hand over fighting to South Vietnam.

My Lai Massacre

1968 killing of unarmed Vietnamese civilians by U.S. troops; increased antiwar sentiment.

Pentagon Papers

Secret government documents leaked in 1971, showing the U.S. had misled the public about Vietnam.

War Powers Act (1973)

Limited the president's power to send troops without congressional approval.

Fall of Saigon

1975 event marking the end of the Vietnam War; North Vietnam captured South Vietnam’s capital.