USA Vietnam War Flashcards
Why did the US become involved in Vietnam?
Domino theory. US wanted to stop the threat of communism spreading.
Why was their an escalation of conflict under President Johnson?
Gulf of Tonkin Incident.
Maddox and C. Turner Joy though North Vietnam had sunk 2 US boats.
Johnson wanted power to attack without consulting with congress.
He achieved this on 4th August.
What were the US tactics in the war?
Operation rolling thunder.-Bombing over North Vietnam.
Search and destroy missions-Search for VC camps and supplies to destroy.
Chemical warfare-to kill the jungle and crops.
TALK ABOUT PROBLEMS TO THE OPPOSITION
What were the VC tactics in the war?
Guerrilla warfare- smaller armies by VC to avoid big battles
Hit and run tactics- Attack and immediately flee
Winning Peasant support- VC would use propaganda to gain support and killed unpopular governments officials.
TALK ABOUT PROBLEMS TO OPPOSITION
What was the Tet offensive? What was the consequence for this?
Planned by VC to attack Saigon (capital fo S.Vietnam)
Consequence was it was reported live and people started to turn against the war.
Explain why opposition to the war grew?
Drafts were not fair.
Famous athletes like Muhammed Ali didn’t fight despite told to.
The student movement- Young people opposed the war as it was the 1st war reported on TV.
