8.8 Flashcards
(24 cards)
Ngo Dinh Diem
Leader of South Vietnam, supported by the U.S., overthrown in 1963
Domino Theory
Belief that if one country falls to communism, nearby countries will follow
John Foster Dulles
U.S. Secretary of State, strong anti-communist policies
Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO)
Alliance to prevent communism in Southeast Asia
Tonkin Gulf Resolution
Gave President Johnson power to use military force in Vietnam
General William Westmoreland
U.S. military leader in Vietnam
Credibility Gap
Public distrust of government statements about Vietnam War
Hawks
Supported U.S. military efforts in Vietnam
Doves
Opposed U.S. involvement in Vietnam War
Tet Offensive
Major 1968 attack by North Vietnam, shocked Americans
Robert F. Kennedy
Senator and anti-war presidential candidate, assassinated in 1968
George Wallace
Segregationist presidential candidate in 1968
Richard Nixon
U.S. President; promised “peace with honor” in Vietnam
Democratic Convention in Chicago
1968 event marked by protests and violence
Hubert Humphrey
Vice President and 1968 Democratic presidential candidate
White Backlash
Reaction against civil rights gains
Henry Kissinger
Nixon’s advisor, key in Vietnam peace talks
Vietnamization
Plan to withdraw U.S. troops and let South Vietnam fight
Nixon Doctrine
U.S. would support allies but not fight their wars
Kent State
1970 protest where National Guard killed four students
My Lai
Massacre of Vietnamese civilians by U.S. troops
Pentagon Papers
Leaked documents showing government deception in Vietnam
Paris Accords
1973 agreement to end U.S. involvement in Vietnam
War Powers Act
Limits on presidential power to send troops without Congress
