Vietnam War

Question 1

Who were the Viet Cong?

Answer 1

Communist guerrilla fighters in South Vietnam who supported the North.

Question 2

What was the Ho Chi Minh Trail?

Answer 2

A secret supply route through Laos and Cambodia used by North Vietnam to support the Viet Cong.

Question 3

Why did the USA get involved in Vietnam?

Answer 3

To stop the spread of communism (Domino Theory) and support the South Vietnamese government.

Question 4

What was the Domino Theory?

Answer 4

The belief that if one country fell to communism, others nearby would follow.

Question 5

What was the Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964)?

Answer 5

Alleged attack on US ships by North Vietnam; used by the US to justify full military involvement.

Question 6

What was the Tet Offensive (1968)?

Answer 6

A massive surprise attack by Viet Cong on over 100 South Vietnamese targets, including the US Embassy.

Question 7

Why was the Tet Offensive a turning point?

Answer 7

It shocked the American public, showed the Viet Cong’s strength, and turned US opinion against the war.

Question 8

What was Operation Rolling Thunder?

Answer 8

A long bombing campaign by the USA against North Vietnam from 1965 to 1968.

Question 9

What tactics did the Viet Cong use?

Answer 9

Guerrilla warfare, booby traps, tunnels, blending with civilians.

Question 10

What tactics did the US use?

Answer 10

Bombing, search-and-destroy missions, chemical weapons like Agent Orange and napalm.

Question 11

What was Agent Orange?

Answer 11

A toxic chemical used to destroy jungle cover; caused long-term health problems.

Question 12

Why was the Vietnam War unpopular in the USA?

Answer 12

High casualties, media coverage, draft system, war crimes like My Lai Massacre.

Question 13

What was the My Lai Massacre?

Answer 13

In 1968, US soldiers killed around 500 unarmed Vietnamese civilians, mostly women and children.

Question 14

What was Vietnamisation?

Answer 14

Nixon’s policy of training South Vietnamese forces to take over the war, while gradually withdrawing US troops.

Question 15

When did the US withdraw from Vietnam?

Answer 15

US troops left by 1973 after the Paris Peace Accords.

Question 16

What happened in 1975?

Answer 16

North Vietnam captured Saigon; Vietnam was united as a communist country.

Question 17

Why did the USA lose the Vietnam War?

Answer 17

Guerrilla tactics, low morale, public opposition, media coverage, and lack of South Vietnamese support.

Question 18

What was the Paris Peace Accords (1973)?

Answer 18

Agreement that ended US involvement; ceasefire between North and South Vietnam.

Question 19

What was the impact of the Vietnam War on the USA?

Answer 19

Lost trust in government, war powers reduced, 58,000+ US troops dead, massive protests.

Question 20

How did the Vietnam War affect US foreign policy?

Answer 20

Led to greater caution in future conflicts — called the “Vietnam Syndrome.”

Question 21

Who was Ho Chi Minh?

Answer 21

The communist leader of North Vietnam who led the resistance against the French and later the USA.

Question 22

Who was Ngo Dinh Diem?

Answer 22

The anti-communist leader of South Vietnam, supported by the US but deeply unpopular with his own people.

Question 23

Why was Ngo Dinh Diem unpopular?

Answer 23

He was corrupt, persecuted Buddhists, and ruled harshly. Many South Vietnamese turned against him.

Question 24

When and why was Diem overthrown?

Answer 24

In 1963, with US support — due to his growing unpopularity and failure to stop the Viet Cong.

Question 25

What was the role of the USSR and China in the Vietnam War?

Answer 25

They supplied weapons, training, and support to North Vietnam and the Viet Cong.

Question 26

What was guerrilla warfare?

Answer 26

A fighting style used by the Viet Cong: ambushes, traps, hit-and-run tactics, avoiding large battles.

Question 27

Why was guerrilla warfare effective?

Answer 27

It confused US troops, used the jungle environment, and didn’t rely on large armies.

Question 28

What were search-and-destroy missions?

Answer 28

US military tactic: raid villages suspected of hiding Viet Cong — often led to civilian deaths.

Question 29

What was ‘hearts and minds’ policy?

Answer 29

US strategy to win support of South Vietnamese civilians — it failed due to civilian casualties and destruction.

Question 30

What role did the media play in the Vietnam War?

Answer 30

First “televised war” — shocking images and reports turned US public opinion against the war.

Question 31

What was the Draft?

Answer 31

US policy of forcing young men into military service — deeply unpopular and led to protests.

Question 32

What happened at Kent State University (1970)?

Answer 32

National Guard shot 4 student protesters during anti-war demonstrations — shocked the nation.

Question 33

What was the impact of the Vietnam War on Vietnam itself?

Answer 33

Millions of Vietnamese killed, widespread destruction, long-term health and environmental damage from chemicals.

Question 34

What happened after the war in Vietnam?

Answer 34

Vietnam was united under communist rule; re-education camps, strict government control, and isolation followed.

Question 35

How did the Vietnam War affect US reputation globally?

Answer 35

Damaged US credibility; seen as a superpower defeated by a poorer country; allies questioned US strength.

Question 36

What were the Pentagon Papers?

Answer 36

Leaked government documents showing the US had misled the public about the war — increased mistrust.

Question 37

What was the War Powers Act (1973)?

Answer 37

A law passed by Congress to limit the president’s ability to send troops without approval — reaction to Vietnam.

Question 38

How did the Vietnam War influence future US foreign policy?

Answer 38

Led to reluctance to get involved in foreign conflicts without clear goals — the “Vietnam Syndrome.”

Question 39

How did the US try to modernise the ARVN during Vietnamisation?

Answer 39

Gave them new weapons, training, and support — but they lacked morale and leadership.

Question 40

What was the final result of the Vietnam War?

Answer 40

A communist victory — North Vietnam took over South Vietnam in 1975, unifying the country.