vietnam prt 1 Flashcards
(16 cards)
What was the main lesson from the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Direct confrontation between the U.S. and USSR was now seen as too dangerous, with both sides realizing nuclear war would be catastrophic.
What global strategy did the U.S. and USSR adopt after Cuba?
They shifted focus to gaining influence in newly independent nations, especially those emerging from colonial rule.
What was the purpose of the “hotline” set up after Cuba?
A direct communication line between the White House and the Kremlin to avoid misunderstandings in future crises.
Why was surveillance increased after the Cuban crisis?
Both nations improved global intelligence and surveillance to avoid surprise escalation and monitor each other’s moves more closely.
What is decolonization?
The process by which colonies gained national independence, especially after World War II, due to weakened empires.
Why did decolonization happen after WWII?
Empires like Britain and France were economically and morally exhausted, unable to maintain control over distant colonies.
How did Japan affect decolonization in Asia?
Japan’s conquest of many colonies during WWII disrupted European control, accelerating independence movements after the war.
What role did India and Algeria play in decolonization?
Their struggles showed that colonial powers could no longer suppress national liberation, inspiring other independence movements.
Who were key leaders in decolonization movements?
Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) and Jawaharlal Nehru (India) led calls for self-determination and independence from imperial powers.
Why did the Cold War affect newly independent countries?
Both the U.S. and USSR competed to win over new nations, offering aid, weapons, or ideology to gain influence.
What was Vietnam’s colonial background before the Cold War?
Vietnam was part of French Indochina and later occupied by Japan during WWII, fueling its desire for independence post-1945.
What did Ho Chi Minh want for Vietnam after 1945?
He aimed for liberation from colonial rule, hoping Vietnam could avoid being dominated by another foreign power again.
What dilemma did the U.S. face in Vietnam after WWII?
The U.S. had to choose between supporting the French recolonization or the Vietnamese independence movement.
What happened at Dien Bien Phu in 1954?
The Viet Minh surrounded and defeated the French fortress, marking the end of French colonial rule in Vietnam.
How did Eisenhower respond to France’s request during Dien Bien Phu?
He refused to use nuclear weapons, showing limits to U.S. support despite opposing communism.
How was South Vietnam perceived globally?
It was often viewed as a U.S. puppet state, with America pouring money into it without solving deep-rooted political issues.
