Lessons of the Vietnam War and U.S. Foreign Policy

Ngo Dinh Diem

Autocratic ruler of South Vietnam, known for corruption.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

1964 act allowing U.S. military escalation in Vietnam.

Tet Offensive

1968 surprise attack by North Vietnam, changing war dynamics.

Vietnamization

Nixon's strategy to withdraw U.S. troops gradually.

Domino Theory

Belief that communism's spread in Asia must be prevented.

Vietcong

South Vietnamese communist insurgents fighting against Diem's regime.

Military Stalemate

Situation where neither side gains decisive advantage in Vietnam.

Paris Peace Talks

Negotiations aimed at ending Vietnam War, led by Kissinger.

First Indochina War

Conflict between France and Vietnam from 1946 to 1954.

Geneva Accords

1954 agreement dividing Vietnam into North and South.

Ho Chi Minh

Leader of North Vietnam, symbol of Vietnamese nationalism.

Anti-war Movement

Public opposition to U.S. involvement in Vietnam War.

Fall of Saigon

1975 event marking the end of South Vietnam.

Kellogg-Briand Pact

1928 treaty renouncing war as a national policy.

Oxford Pledge

1933 commitment to not fight for King and country.

Containment

U.S. policy to prevent the spread of communism.

U.S. Military Advisors

16,000 sent to assist South Vietnam by Kennedy.

Escalation

Increase in military involvement under President Johnson.

Bombing of North Vietnam

Initiated in 1965 as part of U.S. combat strategy.

Communist Uprising in Greece

1946-49 conflict influencing U.S. containment policy.

French Indochina

Colonial name for Vietnam under French rule.

Catholicism in Vietnam

Introduced by Jesuits, causing some persecution.

2 Million

Total casualties from both sides in Vietnam War.

Lessons of Vietnam War

Need for clear objectives and control of information.