Vietnam

WARNING! Remember these answers are not full answers but are just suggestions of points that you could include!

What is the message of this cartoon? (7) An American cartoon, published in 1972. The crows represent the Communist forces.

M- The main message of this cartoon is that the American policy of Vietnamisation is in tatters. C- The cartoon supports this message by showing a scarecrow representing the American policy of Vietnamisation in tatters as it is being attacked by Communist forces. C- Nixon came to power in 1968 with the intention of ending the war in Vietnam. He could not surrender as since 1965 the American government had been persuading people at home that the war was just and vital. He decided to put more of the burden of war on the shoulders of the government of South Vietnam who should do more of the fighting so American troops could be withdrawn. The trouble was that South Vietnam could not win the war on its own.

What is the message of this cartoon? (7) A British cartoon published in 1969. It is commenting on President Nixon’s Vietnam policy.

M- ‘The main message of the cartoon is that Nixon is indecisive M- ‘The main message of the cartoon is that Nixon is indecisive. C- This is shown in the source as the ‘no surrender’ horse is running away from him and the ‘Vietnamisation’ horse is on its knees signifying the cartoonist views this as a policy that will fail.’ C- He could not surrender as since 1965 the American government had been persuading people at home that the war was just and vital. He decided to put more of the burden of war on the shoulders of the government of South Vietnam who should do more of the fighting so American troops could be withdrawn. but they were not strong enough.’

Explain why US involvement in Vietnam increased between 1954 and 1964 (8)

Explain why US involvement in Vietnam increased between 1954 and 1964 (8) ‘To contain the spread of Communism.’ ‘To keep the support of France against Communism in Europe.’ ‘Because China had become Communist.’ ‘To support the setting up of the Republic of South Vietnam.’ ‘Because of the Gulf of Tonkin incident.’

Explain why the war in Vietnam became increasingly unpopular in America. (8)

Explain why the war in Vietnam became increasingly unpopular in America. (8) ‘The level of casualties was high.’ ‘The economic cost of war was high.’ ‘The use of horrific weapons and the use of certain military tactics.’ ‘Stories of drug addiction.’ ‘Because of US atrocities committed against the Vietnamese people.’ ‘Because American people were increasingly aware of what was happening in Vietnam.’ Pick 3 EXPLAINED using PEE e.g see next slide

Explain why the war in Vietnam became increasingly unpopular in America. (8) ‘The Vietnam War was the first televised war and because it received so much media coverage brought home to Americans the stark reality of war. They were able to see the use of horrific weapons such as napalm against civilians. US atrocities against the Vietnamese shocked Americans. An example was the village of My Lai were 300 were massacred. The Americans sprayed chemical defoliants which destroyed vegetation, polluted the land and poison people and this horrified people.’

Describe the Bay of Pigs invasion.(4)

Describe the Bay of Pigs invasion.(4) ‘In April 1961, 1 400 exiles, trained by the CIA landed at the Bay of Pigs in an attempt to overthrow Castro. They were met by 20 000 Cuban troops.’ ‘The Cuban troops were successful, killing or capturing the exiles.’ ‘The anticipated support from the Cubans did not materialise.’ ‘Kennedy claimed there was no direct involvement of the American government.’

What involvement did America have in Vietnam between 1954and 1962? (4)

What involvement did America have in Vietnam between 1954and 1962? (4) ‘Until 1954 the USA supported the French against the Vietminh with money and equipment.’ ‘Between 1954 and 1960 they sent equipment and military advisers.’ ‘The number of military advisers rose from 900 to 11,000.’ ‘In 1955 the US helped Ngo Dinh Diem set up the Republic of South Vietnam.’ ‘Prevented the holding of free elections in 1954 fearing the Communists would win.’ ‘To try and prevent the spread of Communism – domino theory

Describe the involvement of the USA in Vietnam before Johnson became President in 1963. [4]

Describe the involvement of the USA in Vietnam before Johnson became President in 1963. [4] ‘Until 1954 the USA supported the French against the Vietminh with money and equipment.’ ‘Between 1954 and 1960 they sent equipment and military ‘advisers’.’ ‘The number of military ‘advisers’ rose from 900 to 11,000.’ ‘In 1955 the US helped Ngo Dinh Diem set up the Republic of South Vietnam.’ ‘Prevented the holding of free elections in 1954 fearing the Communists would win.’

Explain why the tactics used by the Communists in Vietnam were effective. [6]

Explain why the tactics used by the Communists in Vietnam were effective. [6] ‘They were hard to pin down. They did not wear a uniform and had no known base camp. They often looked no different than the village peasants.’ ’The Communists knew how important it was to keep villagers on their side as they helped to conceal them or send the enemy into danger.’ ‘The aim of guerrilla attacks was to wear down the enemy soldiers and wreck their morale. This was effective as soldiers lived in constant fear of ambushes or booby traps which were hidden in the jungle. These booby traps were cheap to make but very effective in disrupting US patrols.’

Explain why the Communists used guerrilla tactics in the Vietnam War

Explain why the Communists used guerrilla tactics in the Vietnam War ‘The aim of guerrilla attacks was to wear down the enemy soldiers and destroy their morale. It was effective as there was the constant fear of booby traps.’ ‘The Communist forces were no match for the superior American power but he had seen had successful guerrilla tactics could be in China where they were used by Mao to achieve a Communist victory. ‘The Viet Cong feared US air power and so tried to ensure it was close-quarter fighting – hanging on to American belts.’ ‘By the fact that they merged into the background they were difficult to find. They did not wear uniforms and worked in small groups. They were hard to tell apart from the peasants in the villages. They were helped by the Ho Chi Minh trail and underground supply lines.

Explain why the Vietnam War became unpopular in the USA. (6)

Explain why the Vietnam War became unpopular in the USA. (6) The Vietnam War was the first televised war and because it received so much media coverage brought home to Americans the stark reality of war. They were able to see the use of horrific weapons such as napalm against civilians.’ ‘By 1968 the war was costing $30,000 million each year. This meant cutbacks at home on spending on social reform which left many American very unhappy.’ ‘‘US atrocities against the Vietnamese shocked Americans. An example was the village of My Lai were 300 were massacred. The Americans sprayed chemical defoliants which destroyed vegetation, polluted the land and poison people and this horrified people.’ ‘Casualties were high. Over 50,000 troops were to lose their lives. By 1968, 300 were dying each week. Most Americans knew a relative or friend who had died, was affected mentally or on drugs.’

The main reason for American withdrawal from Vietnam was the Tet Offensive of 1968.’ How far do you agree with this statement? (10)

The main reason for American withdrawal from Vietnam was the Tet Offensive of 1968.’ How far do you agree with this statement? (10) The cost of war was highlighted by ‘The Tet Offensive. There were nearly 500,000 troops in Vietnam and America was spending between $20 to $30 billion a year yet little impression was being made and the Vietcong were able to launch major offensives. This huge spending meant cutbacks in spending on social reform. ‘In 1967 ‘Life Magazine’ calculated it cost $400,000 for each Vietcong guerrilla killed. Whilst they were quickly able to regain control they used enormous amounts of artillery and air power. Many civilians were killed. The ancient city of Hue was destroyed.’ ‘The policy of search and destroy, bombing and the use of chemical weapons failed and Johnson changed the policy after the Tet Offensive as he realised the war could not be won militarily.’ ‘Public opinion was changing. This was the first televised war and American people were horrified at the barbaric nature of American attacks an example being My Lai. As more and more soldiers returned in body bags or were considered to be on drugs, public opinion turned. It led to open criticism of Johnson – “Hey, Hey, LBJ, how many kids did you kill today”. The media had a significant impact. It showed children being burned by napalm and people in villages massacred.

‘American public opinion was more important than military failure in causing the USA to withdraw from Vietnam.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

‘Public opinion was changing ‘Public opinion was changing. This was the first televised war and American people were horrified at the barbaric nature of American attacks an example being My Lai. As more and more soldiers returned in body bags or were considered to be on drugs, public opinion turned. It led to open criticism of Johnson – “Hey, Hey, LBJ, how many kids did you kill today”. The media had a significant impact. It showed children being burned by napalm and people in villages massacred.’ ‘The cost of war was highlighted by ‘The Tet Offensive. There were nearly 500,000 troops in Vietnam and America was spending between $20 and $30 billion a year yet little impression was being made and the Vietcong were able to launch major offensives. This huge spending meant cutbacks in spending on social reform. ‘In 1967 ‘Life Magazine’ calculated it cost $400,000 for each Vietcong guerrilla killed. Whilst they were quickly able to regain control they used enormous amounts of artillery and air power. Many civilians were killed. The ancient city of Hue was destroyed. The policy of search and destroy, bombing and the use of chemical weapons failed and Johnson changed the policy after the Tet Offensive as he realised the war could not be won militarily.’

The tactics of the USA were the main reason for its failure in the Vietnam War.’ How far do you agree with this statement? (10)

The tactics of the USA were the main reason for its failure in the Vietnam War.’ How far do you agree with this statement? (10) ‘American technology and firepower were totally superior and under normal fighting conditions would have been successful. For example the bombing tactics could not defeat the Communists, only slow them down. Bombing often affected those the Americans wanted on their side.’ ‘The policy of search and destroy, bombing and the use of chemical weapons failed and Johnson changed the policy after the Tet Offensive as he realised the war could not be won militarily. ‘The cost of war was highlighted by ‘The Tet Offensive. There were nearly 500,000 troops in Vietnam and America was spending between $20 and $30 billion a year yet little impression was being made and the Vietcong were able to launch major offensives. This huge spending meant cutbacks in spending on social reform. In 1967 ‘Life Magazine’ calculated it cost $400,000 for each Vietcong guerrilla killed.’ ‘The Vietcong were no match for the American forces in open warfare and so developed guerrilla tactics. The principles were simple. Retreat when the enemy attacks, raid when the enemy camps, attack when the enemy tires and pursue when the enemy retreats.’ ‘The Vietcong tactics were a nightmare the US soldiers. Guerrillas did not wear uniform and did not have base camps or headquarters. They were hard to tell from the peasants in the villages. They attacked and then disappeared into the jungle.’ ‘Their aim was to wear down the enemy soldiers and reduce morale. US soldiers lived in constant fear of attack.’