The Ultimate Vietnam War Quiz

The History of Vietnam and America's War with Vietnam

• Vietnam's history has been marked by conflict and dynastic struggles, leading to fragmentation of the country over the centuries.

• The idea of a unified Vietnamese people is a modern invention; the country was settled by three different ethnic groups.

• The French arrived in Vietnam in the late 19th century and established a colony, leading to a split between the north and south and the rise of nationalism and communism.

• Ho Chi Minh, who grew up in French education, became a communist and led the Viet Minh independence movement against the French and Japanese during World War II.

• After World War II, the country was split into north and south, with the communist-led north and the U.S.-supported south.

• The U.S. became involved in the war in Vietnam due to its policy of containing communism and the belief in the domino theory.

• The U.S. initially provided financial support and advisors to the French, who were fighting against the communist-led Vietnamese independence movement.

• The U.S. eventually became directly involved in the war in Vietnam, leading to a loss of public support and protests against the war.

• The war lasted for 20 years and caused devastation in Vietnam, with an estimated two million Vietnamese people dying during the war and its aftermath.

• The war was fought by people on all sides for different reasons, including nationalism, communism, and containment of communism.

• The aftermath of the war continues to affect Vietnam today, with ongoing environmental and health issues.

• The story of Vietnam is one of multiple cultures and influences, from Indian and Chinese to French and American, and a history of resistance and struggle for independence.The Vietnam War: From French colonization to American involvement

• The first Indochina War between Vietnam and France ended with the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, resulting in the division of Vietnam into North and South.

• The United States feared the spread of communism and backed South Vietnam's Prime Minister Ngo Dinh Diem to set up an independent state, leading to a civil war and unrest.

• The National Liberation Front (Viet Cong) under Ho Chi Minh began guerrilla warfare in the south, gaining significant strength in Vietnam and viewed as heroes by many Vietnamese.

• President Kennedy sent in aid to South Vietnam, ultimately leading to over half a million U.S. troops being sent to Vietnam for a 20-year war.

• President Johnson inherited America's commitment to Vietnam and escalated the situation after the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964, leading to a bombing campaign and increased ground troops.

• The American buildup of ground troops in South Vietnam led to increased recruitment by communist guerrillas in the south, quadrupling their numbers from 1964 to 1965.

• Operation Rolling Thunder began, a bombing campaign against North Vietnam, leading to protests and a campaign for de-escalation of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

• Despite the campaign, Johnson's attack on Vietnam was popular in the USA, leading to his re-election and further escalation of the war.

• The war had a significant impact on American society, leading to protests, draft dodging, and a loss of trust in the government.

• The war ended with the Paris Peace Accords in 1973, and the withdrawal of American troops, but fighting between North and South Vietnam continued until the fall of Saigon in 1975.

• The war resulted in the deaths of millions of Vietnamese and thousands of Americans, as well as significant damage to the Vietnamese economy and environment.

• The Vietnam War remains a controversial topic, with debates over the justification for American involvement, the tactics used, and the impact on American society and foreign policy.The Vietnam War: Destruction, Refugees, and Bombardment

• North Vietnam contributed regular troops to the fighting in South Vietnam

• Destruction was carried out in both populated and forested areas of South Vietnam

• The destruction had a significant impact on the livelihood of Vietnamese people

• Rural refugees fled to cities, leading to protest movements

• The arrival of US troops and a buildup of South Vietnamese army allowed for large casualties

• Large-scale rioting occurred in Saigon

• The US made a national pledge to help South Vietnam defend its independence

• The US couldn't politically invade North Vietnam but bombed it through Operation Rolling Thunder

• The bombing was an attempt to destroy industry and supply lines

• The bombing lasted for three years and was accompanied by the deployment of Agent Orange

• The Vietnam War would affect Vietnam and America for decades to come

• The war was a police action, not a declared war