Vietcong

Question 1

Also known as?

Answer 1

National Liberation Front

Question 2

Who were they?

Answer 2

• Communist guerrilla fighters based in South Vietnam.
• Supported by North Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh’s government).
• Aimed to overthrow the anti-communist South Vietnamese government (led by President Diem, then others).
• Strongly supported by peasants, especially in rural areas.
• Fought a guerrilla war against both US and South Vietnamese (ARVN) troops.

Question 3

Aims?

Answer 3

Unite Vietnam under communist rule.
• Remove US influence and the corrupt South Vietnamese regime.
• Represent ordinary peasants who were being ignored or mistreated by the South.

Question 4

Tactics used by the Vietcong?

Answer 4

Guerrilla Warfare:
• Small groups, hit-and-run attacks.
• Avoided direct battles — focused on ambushes, booby traps, and sabotage.
• Blended in with the population — hard to identify.

2. Tunnel Systems:
   • Built complex tunnels with sleeping quarters, hospitals, and command centres.
   • Used to hide from US bombs and launch surprise attacks.
3. Booby Traps & Mines:
   • Set traps using spikes, tripwires, and explosives in jungle paths.
   • Caused fear, injuries, and low morale among US soldiers.
4. Propaganda & Support:
   • Helped peasants with farming, gained their trust.
   • Intimidated or killed local officials loyal to the South Vietnamese government.
   • Built schools and clinics in rural areas.

Question 5

Importance?

Answer 5

• Played a crucial role in weakening US forces — despite being poorly equipped.
• Made the war long and frustrating for the USA.
• Their success led the USA to escalate the war (e.g. Search and Destroy, chemical warfare, etc.).
• Key force behind the Tet Offensive (1968) — a major turning point.

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