The document discusses why US forces failed to defeat the Vietcong in Vietnam. The Vietcong were effective because they used guerrilla tactics like ambushes and hit-and-run attacks. This frustrated the US army and led to more support for the Vietcong from South Vietnamese peasants. Despite superior technology and resources, the US struggled against the Vietcong's guerrilla tactics, intimate knowledge of the local terrain, and tunnels. The document examines sources that illustrate the Vietcong's strengths in guerrilla warfare and popularity with civilians, as well as their weaknesses in resources compared to the US.

1. Why did US forces fail to break the Vietcong?

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_Sji9OhAuI&feature=fvwrel What tactics did the Vietcong use? Why were they effective? What was the response of the US army? Why did this lead to more support for the Vietcong?

3. What methods were used by the Vietcong?

5. Take each source at a time and explain how it demonstrates the effectiveness of guerrilla tactics. The US failed to deal with the guerrilla tactics used by the Vietcong. Can you suggest any change of strategy to better deal with these tactics?

6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azxnc1nDkos Why did the US’ superior technology not defeat the Vietcong?

7. What can you learn from sources E, F and G about the strengths and Weaknesses of the Vietcong? What can you learn from Source H about the Vietcong tunnels?

8. A bit of Skills work: What message is the cartoonist trying to get across in Source D? Study source E what reaction would there be to this picture in the US? What can you learn from Source F about the US army in Vietnam? Look at Sources D, F and G. Which is the best representation of the US involvement in Vietnam and why? (use the detail on the cards and previous knowledge to help with your answer).

10. Strengths and Weaknesses of the North Vietnam/Vietcong Strengths: In 1965 the Vietcong had 170.000 soldiers. The north Vietnam government conscripted and every year sent 100,000 troops south. They had causes to fight for – communism and reunification of Vietnam. They were prepared to accept heavy losses. Between 500,000 and 900,000 died during the war. They knew the terrain and were skill in guerrilla and jungle warfare. The south Vietnamese peasants supported them as they had been alienated by Diem’s government and the US search and destroy They were supplied with $2 billion of equipment by Communist China and Soviet Union (8000 aircraft guns and 200 anti-aircraft missile sites from Soviets alone) Vietcong bases were well hidden and booby trapped. Weaknesses: Not everyone in North Vietnam was enthusiastic about reunification. There was long running rivalry between North and South Vietnam. The Vietcong lacked US air power and military resources. THINK: Which is the greatest strength; Physical resources (weapons, men, equipments) OR Hearts and Minds (belief and support)

11. How Vietnam Was Lost BBC documentary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNidPJZTw-g&NR=1 Great for reaction in US – after Summer