Vietnam The Lost “War”

Why? Revolution turns into Independence Independence turns into internal strife and struggle Internal struggle turns into an international conflict

Words to know Escalation Vietnamization Domino Theory Draft evaders Hawks Doves

Escalation Refers to the increasing US military and economic support for the South Vietnamese

Vietnamization President Nixon’s policy of trying to shift the burden of carrying on the war to the South Vietnamese.

Domino Theory The idea (assumption) that the fall of one country to communism would lead to other nearby countries as well.

Draft evaders Any Americans who opposed the war and fled to other countries rather fight an “immoral war” in their eyes.

Hawks – Supporters vs Doves - Opposers Hawks & Doves Hawks – Supporters vs Doves - Opposers

Causes Geneva Agreements Provided for division of Indochina into four states: Neutral Laos and Cambodia Communist North Vietnam French – sponsored South Vietnam Vote to combine both North & South Vietnam in 1956 but not supported

Tet Offensive Mounted by the North Vietnamese 1968 Shock to Americans since the American general just informed the troops that we are “winning the war”.

Propaganda My Lai Massacre Revelations of the US massacre of 300 persons (mostly women and children)in the South Vietnamese village of My Lai. It was reported that this village harbored Viet Cong. This helped fuel anti-war protests.