Vietnam Review – Winter 2011

Essay Question How did the domino theory and the philosophy of

containment lead to the United States’ initial involvement in Vietnam and to its continued involvement in Vietnam?

Defines Domino Theory Defines Containment Explains Dien Bien Phu and the impact of France leaving Explains 2 U.S. setbacks and discusses why the U.S.

forged on and kept sending more troops**You can find this online

Beginning of Vietnam France’s involvement

Dien Bien Phu Vietminh 17th Parallel

Ho Chi Minh/Diem Elections

Gulf of Tonkin Incident Americanization

Johnson – US take control of war Operation Rolling Thunder Increase troops

As the war progressed, less and less people supported it Body counts Living Room War Credibility Gap Pentagon Papers

At the beginning of the war, most enlistees were volunteers, but that changed to most were draftees. (2.5 million people served)

Events Dien Bien Phu Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Tet Offensive My Lai Massacre Kent State

People Ho Chi Minh

Vietminh Communist Tiger/Elephant

Diem Non communist Corrupt/oppressive Burning monk Didn’t take part in elections Gets assassinated

Johnson Great Society

Gets shoved aside Americanization Gulf of Tonkin

Blank Check Loses support and does not run again

for reelection

Nixon Vietnamization

Train S. Vietnam and pull out and let them continue the fight

Secretly bombs Cambodia

End of the War US leaves in 1973.

S. Vietnam (Saigon) falls in 1975 Vietnam is unified under one country –

Communist 58000 Americans died

Terms Containment Domino Theory Americanization Deferment Living Room War Vietnamization Pentagon Papers Kent State Great Society Agent Orange

Napalm POW Dove Hawk War Powers Act Credibility Gap “Peace with Honor” VC/Vietcong

War Strategy VC fought small battles

At night Dressed in black Dug tunnels and ambushed Guerrilla-style fighting Civilians by day, guerrilla fighters by night