Vietnam War Flashcards
(38 cards)
France
Vietnam was under the control of France until Japan took it over because France was overwhelmed by Hitler already. After Japan leaves, France retakes Vietnam and the U.S aids the French multiple times because we want them to fight against Vietnam’s fight for independence.
Ho Chi Minh
Communist leader in North Vietnam; formed the Vietnam to work for independence.
Domino Theory
Eisenhower announces this and it means that if communism settles in one country, other countries nearby will follow. We want to contain communism
Ngo Dinh Diem
Is the president of South Vietnam and lost support in S. Vietnam and the US as corruption in his gov’t becomes evident. Vietnamese Buddhists monks protest Diem’s corruption persecution of opposition, Buddhists, and lack of free elections.
Viet Cong
residents of S. Vietnam who opposed Diem and supported Ho Chi Minh and the communist forces of N. Vietnam; fight against S. Vietnam gov’t and later American forces.
President Eisenhower
Eisenhower sends money to France and the first “military advisors” to S. Vietnam to train the South Vietnamese to fight
President Kennedy
President Kennedy sends more US “military advisors” to S. Vietnam to help train South Vietnam’s soldiers to fight the communist Vietcong
President Johnson- first combat troops
Gulf of Tonkin gives pres. Johnson power to use military to respond to attacks on US forces. Johnson begins first bombing of N. Vietnam; begins sending American combat troops to fight in Vietnam; goal to force N. Vietnam to negotiate peace agreement.
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Issued by congress after N. Vietnam torpedo attack on US ship (USS Maddox) in Gulf gives pres. Johnson power to use military to respond to attacks on US forces.
Operation Rolling Thunder
Johnson begins first bombing of N. Vietnam; begins sending American combat troops to fight in Vietnam; goal to force N. Vietnam to negotiate peace agreement.
Guerilla Warfare
Ambushing, hit and run, surprise attacks at night, kind of fighting Vietcong used
Ho Chi Minh Trail
Trails and pathways from N. Vietnam to transport weapons, supplies, etc. to Vietcong fighters in S. Vietnam
Credibility Gap
Public becomes concerned about difference between what they see happening in Vietnam on TV and what the gov’t reports
Agent Orange, Napalm
defoliant- type of chemical that makes a plant lose its leaves- goal to see more clearly (hideouts)
Controversies- causes health problems (cancer, birth defects, environmental issues)
Napalm- Gasoline based explosive, has consistency of pudding and would stick to you, burn skin.
“the living room war”
footage on evening news
Helicopters
huge part in the war. Advanced carry 6-8 soldiers gets them into/out of strategic spots, and helps to transport wounded out.
William Westmoreland
General in V. War
Robert McNamara
Secretary of Defense
Henry Kissinger
Secretary of State
Deferment- definition, different types, conscientious objectors
Deferment- to put off or delay, 3 types
Medical Deferment
College Deferment
Conscientious objectors- objected to war based on (religious) beliefs
Draft Dodgers
Opposed war, didn’t show up to draft burned draft cards, protested, escape to Canada.
Hawks and doves
War Protests, The ones who wanted war were known as the “Hawks” and who didn’t were known as the “Doves.”
Tet Offensive- effects, troop request
Major offensive by the Vietcong and N.V on the Vietnamese New Year “Tet”
Coordinated attacks all overs S. Vietnam
Many Americans killed
Westmoreland request 200,000 more troops
News footage of the fighting changes opinions of war in the US
Walter Cronkite
Beloved newscast host, this is the one time he gives his opinion, “this war appears to be a stalemate” he wants to withdrawal from Vietnam peacefully.
