1963-1972: Confrontation in Vietnam: Johnson's policies post 1964 Flashcards
(25 cards)
What was Johnson’s beliefs
Johnson saw Vietnam as a “fourth rate” country with Ho Chi Minh as a new Hitler.
But did not want the war to become Americanised
What was Johnson influenced by
The Cold War context and containment
“Quagmire” theory
The USA’s role as world policemen
What does USA rejecting diplomacy show
LBJ refused offers from UN security general, Canada and North Vietnamese for diplomacy.
What was the 4 point proposal
Proposed by the North
US troops withdraw from SV
Neither North nor South Vietnam enter military alliance with foreign power during divide
SV internal affairs settled by people of SV
Peaceful reunification of Vietnam only settled by people of both zones
Why did Johnson reject the 4 point proposal
Saw it would lead to a unified and communist Vietnam
How was the Saigon Government weak
Multiple changes in leadership in South Vietnam after Diem assassination
Nov 1963 to Jan 1964 General Minh
Jan 1964 to Feb 1965 General Khanh
Feb 1965 to June 19645 Dr Quat
When was the Working Group on Vietnam established
January 1965
What was the Working Group on Vietnam
Group of people that wanted military force on Vietnam to prevent Communism
What was Communist aggression in Vietnam
November 1964 VC attacked US airbase
Christmas Eve attack on bar
February 1965, VC attack on army barrack
How did popular support cause escalation in the Vietnam War
Congress support with $700 million spent
House of representatives 408 - 7 in favour
Media support mainly from hawks
67% of Americans approve rolling Thunder
When was operation rolling thunder
February 1965 till 1968
What was operation rolling thunder
Systematic bombing raids to disrupt supplies to VC and demoralise NV
When were the first ground troops into Vietnam
8th March 1965
By July 125,000 US soldiers in Vietnam
By the end of 1964 who was supplying North Vietnam
China
With USSR establish formal links with NLF
When was the Battle of La Drang Valley
November 1965
What was the battle of La Drang Valley
First major conflict between US and NV forces
Return to conventional warfare
US victory
After PAVN changed to guerrilla tactics
Strengths of USA in Vietnam
Economic capacity
Bombings
Search and destroy
What was search and destroy
Used to find and destroy enemies in jungle and rural villages
Main strategy from 1965 to 1968
Based on bodycount
Weaknesses of USA in Vietnam
South Vietnamese Army
Media opposition
Anti-war demonstrations
What media opposition was happening in Vietnam
Civil rights campaigns
Many SV peasants being brutalised
Civil Rights protestors grew, Martin Luther King, opposition to war
Black Americans immediate victims as many were drafted
What Anti-war demonstrations were happening in USA about Vietnam
Early 60s peace movements from university faculty and graduate students.
October 1967 protest in Washington DC became mainstream
Broadcast of Tet Offensive.
1968 led to Johnson not running for re-election with demonstrations changing how candidates voted
What were the North Vietnam’s strength
Peasant support
Guerilla tactic
Ho Chi Minh trail
What peasant support did NV have
Mao gave guiding principles for NLF guerilla forces:
Don’t destroy land or crops
Always keep word
Show peasants respect
Support peasants
Keeps hearts and minds of the people
What was the Ho Chi Minh trail
Supply route deployed by North that passed through Cambodia and Laos into SV. Supplied over 80,000 guns with USSR supplying air missiles.
