Tactics and relative strengths of both sides?

Question 1

What was the first significant engagement between US forces of North Vietnam under Johnson?

Answer 1

November 1965 in the Ia Drang Valley in the Central Highlands
-USA saw as a win because of high enemy casualty figure (300vs2000-3000)
-NV saw as a win because they held their position

Question 2

What were two of USA’s strengths under Johnson?

Answer 2

-Large economically backed forces
-Forces were incredibly strong

Question 3

What two tactics did USA primarily use in Vietnam under Johnson?

Answer 3

-Bombing
-Search and destroy

Question 4

What chemical did the US use in Vietnam?

Answer 4

Agent Orange
-To destroy jungles and crops
-Associated with causing deformities in children

Question 5

What were two of USA’s weaknesses under Johnson?

Answer 5

-USA’s ally (SV army) largely uncommitted to the struggle
-Opponents to war increasingly divided US society

Question 6

What were two examples of anti-Vietnam war demonstrations?

Answer 6

Early 1960s peace movement
-Consisted of largely intellectual movement that consisted of university students
-October 1967 protest by ‘Students for a Democratic Society’ in Washington DC, over 100,000 participated, Martin Luther King expressed disapproval of US involvement

Question 7

What were two of North Vietnam’s strengths?

Answer 7

-Determination of their troops and ingenuity in battle
-Received logistical support from USSR and China

Question 8

What three tactics did North Vietnam use?

Answer 8

Peasant support
-Guerrilla forces respect peasants by not destroying land or crops
Guerrilla tactics
-Tunnel systems and booby traps
Ho Chi Minh Trail
-Crucial supply line for men and equipment through Cambodia and Laos into South Vietnam

Question 9

What were two of North Vietnam’s weaknesses?

Answer 9

-Degree of dependency on USSR and China with economy not being able to sustain a prolonged war
-No guaranteed support from South Vietnamese peasants