vietnam war

The Cold War Era (1950–1966) : 

Cold war: A cold war is a state of political and ideological tension between nations, particularly without direct armed conflict. It involves spying, propaganda, economic pressure, and threats of war, especially nuclear. The aim is to gain global influence and power through competition, not open battle.

Hot war: A hot war is a conflict where opposing countries or groups engage in direct military combat using weapons, soldiers, and other forms of force. These wars usually result in high casualties, widespread destruction, and clearly defined battles. The goal is to defeat the enemy through force and gain control of territory or power.

What is the Cold War era: 

Definition: A period of geopolitical tension between the United States (US) and the Soviet Union (USSR) after WWII.

Ideologies:

• US – Capitalism and democracy

• USSR – Communism and a one-party state

  Causes of the Cold War

Fear of communism: 

Why was Australia Involved in the Vietnam War:

The nature of guerilla warfare in the vietnam war

• Hit and Run Attacks:

 The Vietcong avoided direct battles unless the odds were in their favor. Instead, they used quick ambushes and sudden attacks to damage enemy forces and disappear before a counterattack.

• Booby Traps and Mines: 

Simple but deadly traps and landmines were hidden along jungle paths and in villages. These slowed enemy movement and created fear and constant danger for U.S. and South Vietnamese soldiers.

• Tunnel Systems:

 The Vietcong built complex underground tunnels, especially near Saigon in areas like Cu Chi. These served as bases, hiding spots, and supply routes, allowing operations to continue even beneath enemy-controlled villages.

• Blending in with Citizens and Gaining Local Support: 

Vietcong fighters often wore civilian clothing and lived among villagers. This made them hard to identify and helped them gain food, shelter, and new recruits from supportive locals. “Farmers by day, and soldiers by night”

• Night Operations: 

Many attacks and movements were carried out at night. This gave the Vietcong an advantage, as American forces were less familiar with the terrain and had trouble spotting fighters in the dark.

What was the nature of Australia’s involvement: 

Vietnam war presentation notes: 

1962-1972 - vietnam war

• 523 killed in action (KIA)

• The Australian government were concerned about the domino theory

• Australia was involved in the Vietnam war due to its involvement with Americaedfvb mju78ujhnhtfgvb and being allies/supporting them in war. 

• 59,000 australians served in vietnam 

Weapons in the vietnam war:

• M16 jumping jack mine 

• Artillery Guns 

• AK47 (used by vietnam troops)

• Rocket launchers / RPG (used by vietnam troops)

Random stuff to research :

• Two battle of long tan casualties 

This refers to the losses suffered by Australian soldiers during the Battle of Long Tan, which happened in 1966 during the Vietnam War. It was a major battle involving Australian troops. 

• Coral and balmoral 

These were the names of two major battles in 1968 where Australian forces fought the North Vietnamese Army. The Battle of Coral–Balmoral lasted about a month and involved heavy fighting. It was one of Australia's biggest and most intense engagements in the Vietnam War, with many casualties and difficult conditions.

• The forgotten six: Six men forgot, they had to be left in Vietnam. Their bodies were left at the battlefield. 

This refers to six Australian soldiers who died in Vietnam and were left behind on the battlefield at the time, possibly because of dangerous conditions that prevented recovery. For many years, they were considered "forgotten," highlighting the harsh realities and tragedies of war. Their remains were later recovered and brought back to Australia.

• Gorilla Stackticks: Coming out only when they think they will win. “Farmers by day and soldiers by night”

This means the Vietnamese fighters (Viet Cong) used guerrilla warfare, a style of combat where small groups use surprise attacks, ambushes, and disappear quickly. They looked like ordinary civilians—such as farmers—but would turn into fighters at night. This made it very hard for Australian soldiers to know who the enemy was.

• Vietnam has women and children fighting which took a toll on the Australian troops. 

In the Vietnam War, not only men but also women and even children were involved in the fighting or helping the Viet Cong. This deeply affected Australian troops, because they couldn’t always tell who was dangerous, and it made them feel unsafe and emotionally conflicted during battles.

• The Australian troops had maps & compasses to travel, the Vietnamese troops knew the land. 

This points out the difference in familiarity with the environment. Australian soldiers had to rely on maps and tools to get around, but the Vietnamese fighters were locals, so they knew the terrain very well. This gave the Viet Cong a big advantage, especially when hiding, moving quickly, or planning ambushes.

Events, attitudes, and opinions: 

• 1972: was the peace agreement between the US & Vietnam, all troops were sent home, ALP won the election, national service termination. 

• 1975: communism overruns south vietnam 

• 1987: welcome home for Australian soldiers, 20 years after the war ended

Agent orange: 

• Kind of poison/ herbicide used as a military tactic, to expose the enemy in their jungle hideouts, and thereby. 

• The poison was supposed to kill the jungle, but was just as harmful to the people. 

• 72 litres of agent orange was sprayed around Vietnam.

Effects of agent orange:

• Short term effects: minor rashes, itches, runny nose 

• Long term effects: skin blisters, cancers, tumours and muscular and nervous system disorders

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):

• A serious psychological reaction 

• Ptsd can cause: broken families, unemplyment, suicide and alcohol dependance

• Ww1: shell shock 

• Ww2: battle fatigue 

North vietnam 

• China 

• Russia, provide financial support and training, weapons do not engage in conflict  

South vietnam 

• United States, provided troops