US Response To Guerrilla Tactics Flashcards
What was ‘Hearts and Minds’?
Where the US put money into south Vietnam to improve conditions such as building roads and schools
Why did the US try ‘Hearts and Minds’?
To show south Vietnam that the US are on their side
Did ‘Hearts and Minds’ work?
It worked in towns which stayed loyal but more effort was put into fighting than trying to win them over
When and why did the US start bombing North Vietnam?
In 1964 and they used an attack on their USS Maddox boats in the gulf of Tonkin as an excuse to begin bombing north Vietnam
Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin resolution allowing Johnson to use ‘all necessary steps’
What was operation rolling thunder?
‘Blanket Bombing’ of north Vietnam where they attack with no specific targets
What caused a lot of destruction during operation rolling thunder?
The B-52 bomber but north Vietnam didn’t surrender
What was ‘ Search and Destroy’?
Helicopters took troops to make surprise attacks on villages which meant the Vietcong couldn’t get away or organise resistance
Where was searched during ‘Search and Destroy’?
Every home in a village and is any evidence of Vietcong was found the whole village was destroyed
What happened to Vietcong suspects during ‘Search and Destroy’?
They were questioned and often killed (US wanted revenge)
This lead to Vietcong developing a ‘find and kill’ method
When was Agent Orange used?
From 1966
What was the aim of ‘Agent Orange’?
To destroy leaves and undergrowth so that there’s no where for the Vietcong to hide
What was the affects of ‘Agent Orange’ on humans?
Caused cancer
When was napalm first used and what did it lead to?
1965
Severe burning of skin
What was the impact of chemical warfare on the war?
No bit impact on winner of war
Lead to birth defects and was the reason for many turning against the war
When did the My Lai Massacre take place?
16th march 1968
