Cold War Terms Flashcards
(25 cards)
Strategic Hamlet Program
South Vietnam implemented it with support from the US. It isolated the rural villages by relocating them to try and get them away from the viet cong. In the end it failed because of resentment and ineffectiveness
(Launched early 1962)
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Allowed president johnson to fight communist aggression in south east asia by any means necessary. He was able to get the US more involved in the war.
(August 7, 1964)
Operation Rolling Thunder
A US bombing campaign against north vietnam. Purpose was to weaken the north vietnam military but failed
(Began March 2, 1965)
Tet Offensive
A series of attacks against south vietnam from north vietnam and the viet cong troops. Targeted major US embassy. American public support for the war was lost because they saw the death numbers rising. Eventually led to the US pulling out of the war
(January 30, 1968)
My Lai Massacre
A war crime committed by the US where unarmed civilians were mass murdered
(March 16, 1968)
Operation Menu
A covert bomb campaign launched by the US strategic air command aiming for north vietnam and viet cong bases and supply trails
(Began March 18, 1969)
Nixon Doctrine
Instead of giving allies troops, the US would give financial support and military aid
(Announced July 25, 1969)
Vietnamization
The gradual withdrawal of American troops under Nixon to eventually end US involvement in the war. South Vietnamese troops started training more and got more equipment to transfer the combat to them. Even though they withdrew troops, the US still sent financial aid and equipment in support
(begins November 3, 1969)
Silent Majority
When the majority of people who share the same opinion stay quiet and do not express it publicly
(Speech November 3, 1969)
Draft Lottery
A random drawing of birthdays to determine which men will have to go serve in the war. Created to avoid bias
(begins December 1, 1969)
Kent State Shootings
The Ohio national guard shot at a crowd protesting the war at Kent state university. 4 were killed and 9 were injured
(May 4, 1970)
Pentagon Papers
Papers that reported secret US attacks that were not shared in the media. Coastal raids and marine corps attacks on north vietnam
(Published June 13, 1971)
Paris Peace Accords
A ceasefire established to end US involvement in the war. US troops were taken out and the pow were sent back
(January 27, 1973)
War Powers Act
Limited the president’s authority to start war. Congress overrode Nixon’s veto
(November 7, 1973)
Fall of Saigon
The end of the vietnam war when north vietnam captured the capital of south vietnam, saigon, and the south vietnamese government collapsed
(April 30, 1975)
Viet Cong
Also known as the people’s liberation armed forces. Guerrilla force led by communists in south vietnam. Fought against the US and south vietnam to unify under communism
Ho Chi Minh Trail
A supply route used by north vietnam to give south vietnam and the viet cong weapons and troops
Napalm
A jelly gas used in warfare because it was flammable. Used to asphyxiate and melt targets that couldn’t be destroyed like bunkers. Created large firestorms in communities
Agent Orange
A chemical herbicide used to clear forests so the american troops could see where they were going and air forces could see from the sky
Search and Destroy
The US deployed troops to locate and eliminate enemy forces to force them into battle
Hanoi Hilton
A prisoner of war camp
Guerrilla Warfare
A rare form of military combat that used raids sabotage and ambushes
Credibility Gap
Americans didn’t believe what they were being told about the war
Tunnel Rats
Volunteer combat engineers that cleared and destroyed enemy tunnels
