Section 2: Flashcards
(7 cards)
Vietnam War Credibility Gap:
Credibility gap is a term that came into wide use with journalism, political and public discourse in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. At the time, it was most frequently used to describe public skepticism about the Lyndon B. Johnson administration’s statements and policies on the Vietnam War.
DMZ:
The Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was a 5-kilometer buffer zone along the Ben Hai River, roughly at the 17th parallel, that served as the border between North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Established in 1954 by the Geneva Accords, it was intended to be a temporary demarcation line, but it became a de facto boundary and a site of intense conflict.
Guerilla Warfare Summary:
Guerrilla warfare, characterized by surprise attacks, hit-and-run tactics, and blending with the civilian population, was a key tactic used by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army (PAVN) against the U.S. and South Vietnamese forces in the Vietnam War. This strategy proved effective in exploiting the terrain, frustrating larger conventional forces, and wearing down the enemy over time.
Teach-ins:
Teach-ins, originating at the University of Michigan in 1965, were a form of protest and education against the Vietnam War. These participatory events involved students, faculty, and community members in discussions and debates about the war, aiming to raise awareness and encourage action. The first teach-in, held over two days in March 1965, saw about 3,000 people attend, and it quickly spread to other campuses across the country.
Anger at the draft:
Anger at the draft during the Vietnam War was a significant factor driving anti-war activism. The draft, a system of compulsory military service, fueled resentment among young men who felt unjustly compelled to fight in a war many opposed. This anger manifested in various forms of resistance, including protests, draft card burning, and even fleeing the country.
Hawks and Doves:
In politics and economics, “hawks” and “doves” represent distinct approaches to policy, particularly in areas like foreign policy and monetary policy. Hawks advocate for aggressive, strong-arm tactics, often relying on military strength and intervention, while doves favor peaceful, less confrontational approaches, prioritizing diplomacy and negotiation. In monetary policy, hawks prioritize controlling inflation, often through higher interest rates, while doves focus on promoting economic growth, potentially through lower interest rates.
1968 was crazy!
Explain each:
Tet Offensive
MLK/Bobby
DNC
LBJ drops out
Nixon wins
