Vietnam War Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What was a main cause of the Vietnam War?

Ho Chi Minh's push for communism (correct)

The Soviet Union's involvement

U.S. support for the French (correct)

Civil rights movements in the U.S.

How did the Vietnam War end?

The Vietnam War ended with the Paris Peace Accords.

How did the Vietnam War affect Americans?

Many Americans opposed the war, and returning soldiers faced hostility.

What is the meaning of the domino theory?

The political theory that if one nation becomes communist, neighboring nations will follow. Signup and view all the answers

What is a guerilla?

A member of an irregular armed force that fights a stronger force by sabotage and harassment. Signup and view all the answers

What is napalm?

A highly flammable chemical dropped from U.S. planes during firebombing attacks. Signup and view all the answers

What is agent orange?

A chemical used to kill plants and expose Viet Cong hideouts. Signup and view all the answers

What does credibility gap refer to?

The gap between the Johnson Administration and American public support. Signup and view all the answers

What is a tech-in?

An informal discussion about issues relating to the Vietnam War. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'dove' refer to in the context of the Vietnam War?

Someone who is against the Vietnam War. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'hawk' refer to in the context of the Vietnam War?

People who supported U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Signup and view all the answers

What is linkage?

A policy of improving relations with the Soviet Union and China to reduce aid to North Vietnam. Signup and view all the answers

What does vietnamization mean?

A strategy for ending U.S. involvement by gradually withdrawing troops and replacing them with South Vietnamese forces. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Ho Chi Minh?

Vietnamese communist statesman who fought South Vietnam until 1975. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the final battle that forced the French out of Vietnam take place?

Dien Bien Phu. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Geneva Accords?

A 1954 peace agreement that divided Vietnam into communist North and non-communist South. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Ngo Dinh Diem?

American ally in South Vietnam whose regime caused the Viet Cong to thrive. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Viet Cong?

The guerrilla soldiers of the communist faction in Vietnam. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution?

A resolution passed by Congress that authorized military force in Southeast Asia. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Ho Chi Minh Trail?

A network of paths used by North Vietnam to supply Viet Cong. Signup and view all the answers

Who was William Westmoreland?

American General who commanded military operations in Vietnam from 1964 to 1968. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Tet Offensive?

A massive attack launched by North Vietnamese forces during the Vietnamese New Year in 1968. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Henry Kissinger?

Secretary of State who negotiated the Paris Peace Accords. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Causes of the Vietnam War

Ho Chi Minh advocated for communism in Vietnam, resisting French colonial control.
The U.S. intervened due to concerns about the spread of communism after China and North Korea fell to communist regimes.

End of the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War concluded with the Paris Peace Accords, where the U.S. agreed to withdraw troops in exchange for the release of American prisoners of war.

American Perception and Effects

Many Americans opposed the Vietnam War, viewing it as a foreign conflict that didn't involve them.
Returning soldiers faced hostility, reflecting public dissent towards the war.

Domino Theory

A political hypothesis suggesting if one nation adopts communism, neighboring nations will likely follow.

Guerrilla Warfare

Involves irregular combatants employing sabotage and harassment against a more powerful adversary.

Use of Napalm

A highly flammable substance used by U.S. forces in incendiary attacks during the war.

Agent Orange

A herbicide used to destroy foliage, aimed at exposing the Viet Cong.

Credibility Gap

The disconnect between public support and the Johnson Administration's communications regarding the war.

Tech-in

Informal discussions at colleges focusing on the Vietnam War and reasons for opposition.

Dove vs. Hawk

"Doves" are individuals opposed to the Vietnam War, while "Hawks" support U.S. involvement in the conflict.

Linkage Policy

A strategy aimed at improving relations with the Soviet Union and China to reduce their support for North Vietnam.

Vietnamization

Nixon's strategy to gradually withdraw U.S. troops, replacing them with South Vietnamese forces.

Ho Chi Minh

A prominent communist leader in Vietnam, active in the fight against South Vietnam until his death in 1969.

Dien Bien Phu

The battle site that led to the French departure from Vietnam.

Geneva Accords

A diplomatic agreement in 1954 that bifurcated Vietnam into a communist North and non-communist South, pending elections.

Ngo Dinh Diem

South Vietnam's American-backed leader (1954-1963), whose repressive governance encouraged the growth of the Viet Cong.

Viet Cong

Guerrilla fighters for the communist side in Vietnam, known as the National Liberation Front.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Passed in August 1964, this allowed President Johnson to use military force in Southeast Asia without a formal war declaration from Congress.

Ho Chi Minh Trail

A supply route from North Vietnam through Laos and Cambodia to South Vietnam, critical for military operations by North Vietnam.

William Westmoreland

General who led U.S. military efforts at the peak of the Vietnam War from 1964-1968.

Tet Offensive

A significant 1968 attack by North Vietnamese forces during the Vietnamese New Year, leading to high casualties and altering American public opinion.

Henry Kissinger

Secretary of State instrumental in U.S. foreign policy during the Nixon era, key figure in the Paris Peace Accords, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the causes and conclusions of the Vietnam War with this set of flashcards. Explore key figures, events, and the geopolitical context that shaped this historic conflict.