Chemical Incapacitants in Warfare

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What was Admiral Sharp's suggestion for dealing with the Viet Cong during the Tet Offensive?

Employing nuclear weapons to quickly overpower the enemy
Developing and using non-lethal incapacitating weapons to minimize civilian casualties (correct)
Withdrawing troops from urban areas to avoid civilian casualties
Using lethal chemical weapons to maximize enemy casualties

What was Westmoreland's response to Admiral Sharp's suggestion?

He agreed with the idea and suggested exploring new weapons development
He recommended using standard chemical incapacitating agents, such as BZ (correct)
He rejected the idea of using non-lethal incapacitating weapons
He proposed only using biological agents, such as UC, for aerial spray

What was a major concern for Admiral Sharp regarding the use of chemical munitions?

The political implications and public distaste (correct)
The potential environmental impact
The risk of friendly fire casualties
The potential for the enemy to develop similar weapons

What was the context of the discussion between Admiral Sharp and Westmoreland?

The Tet Offensive and urban fighting in Hue (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the military advantage that Admiral Sharp saw in using non-lethal incapacitating weapons?

The ability to quickly overpower the enemy while minimizing civilian casualties (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the concern regarding the use of chemical incapacitants in warfare?

Psychopolitical reaction and need for public orientation (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary route of absorption for the chemical incapacitant BZ?

Respiratory system (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the US have a stockpile of lethal chemical weapons, including sarin and VX?

For deterrent purposes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the limitation of the US's capability to wage chemical warfare?

Inadequate protection for its own forces (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the US's production and stockpiling of lethal chemical weapons?

Uncertainty about their use in Vietnam (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the US's development of various munitions for chemical warfare?

To demonstrate military capability (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the incapacitating non-lethal antipersonnel chemical agents used in Vietnam?

To incapacitate enemy personnel without causing permanent harm (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key claim of structural realism in the context of the use of CBN weapons in Vietnam?

That the international system constrains state behavior and influences international outcomes (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the non-use of nuclear weapons by the US in Vietnam?

The US was concerned about the political costs of using nuclear weapons (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of using CS, a chemical agent used by the US in Vietnam?

To incapacitate enemy personnel temporarily (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of crossing the nuclear threshold, according to Herman Kahn?

Crossing the nuclear threshold may greatly weaken the barriers to proliferation and general use of nuclear weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What was the concern regarding the use of nuclear weapons in the Vietnam War, as outlined in the 'Political Consequences' scenario?

The ultimate outcome is impossible to predict, but general war could result, even from the least provocative use of nuclear weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of the authors of 'Political Consequences' regarding the use of tactical nuclear weapons in Vietnam?

The use of tactical nuclear weapons would have serious long-range consequences, even if massive retaliation did not result. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central argument of the 'Nuclear Taboo' in the context of the Cold War?

The non-use of nuclear weapons since 1945 is a significant political and psychological threshold. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental problem with using nuclear weapons in a limited war, as outlined in the ' Political Consequences' scenario?

Even limited use of nuclear weapons could lead to general war and unpredictable consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'Nuclear Taboo' in the context of nuclear proliferation?

Crossing the nuclear threshold may weaken the barriers to proliferation and general use of nuclear weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What role did world public opinion play in shaping the US's decision not to use nuclear weapons in the Vietnam War?

Mounting public opposition to the war gave US leaders a demoralizing foretaste of the kind of world public outrage that use of nuclear weapons might provoke. Signup and view all the answers

What was President Johnson's stance on the use of nuclear weapons in the Vietnam War?

He was clear in his own mind that he would not order a first use of nuclear weapons except perhaps in the case of overwhelming Soviet aggression in Europe. Signup and view all the answers

How did the concept of a nuclear taboo influence the US's decision-making during the Vietnam War?

A nuclear taboo was taking hold among Johnson and his advisors, contributing to their reluctance to use nuclear weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the views of foreign leaders, such as U Thant and Harold Wilson, in the context of the US's non-use of nuclear weapons in Vietnam?

Their urging of restraint contributed to the US's decision not to use nuclear weapons. Signup and view all the answers

How did the US's experience in the Vietnam War reflect the principles of limited war theory?

The US's efforts to limit the war reflected the principles of limited war theory, which emphasizes the need to avoid escalating conflicts into full-scale wars. Signup and view all the answers

What does the US's non-use of nuclear weapons in Vietnam suggest about the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence during the Cold War?

The US's restraint in using nuclear weapons despite the threat posed by the Soviet Union suggests that nuclear deterrence was effective in preventing the escalation of conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason behind Rusk's willingness to take the risk of major escalation in Vietnam, according to the text?

He believed that Chinese leaders were 'practical men' who would act prudently, in part because of the US nuclear arsenal. Signup and view all the answers

How did Rusk propose to respond to an attack on South Korea, according to the text?

He suggested making a public declaration that any attack on South Korea would be met by the use of nuclear weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What was the context of Rusk's suggestion to move a US division in Korea to Southeast Asia, according to the text?

It was an NSC meeting in May 1964, where Rusk was discussing strategies for responding to the Hanoi–Viet Cong aggression. Signup and view all the answers

How did Rusk's views on nuclear weapons differ from Eisenhower's, according to the text?

Rusk did not share Eisenhower's views on nuclear weapons, but endorsed his recommendations for a 'campaign of pressure' against North Vietnam. Signup and view all the answers

What was the underlying assumption behind Rusk's willingness to take risks in Vietnam, according to the text?

He thought that the escalation risks were low, and that the Chinese leaders would act prudently. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Rusk's memo to President Kennedy, according to the text?

It was a strong personal memo that advocated for a 'campaign of pressure' against North Vietnam, even at the risk of major escalation. Signup and view all the answers