The document summarizes how the Vietnamese defeated the French and Americans in the Vietnam War. It describes key battles like Dien Bien Phu where the Viet Minh defeated the French, forcing their withdrawal. It then outlines the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army's effective guerrilla tactics against the US, like ambushes, booby traps, and an extensive tunnel network. Chemical weapons like Agent Orange were used by the US but took a heavy toll. Major offensives like the Tet Offensive showed the war was not going well for the US, and American public support waned, leading to their ultimate withdrawal and the North Vietnamese victory in 1975.
The Vietnam War grew out of Vietnam's long history as a French colony. After World War 2, Vietnam was divided into a communist North and democratic South. The US backed South Vietnam in an attempt to contain communism, believing that if South Vietnam fell, other countries would too. Despite US bombing campaigns and search/destroy missions that caused massive casualties, the Viet Cong waged a successful guerrilla war. US involvement became increasingly unpopular as the war dragged on. Ultimately, the US was unable to stop the communist takeover and North Vietnam reunified the country in 1975.
The document provides an overview of the Vietnam War from 1959-1975, including key events and perspectives from both sides. It summarizes that the Vietnam War was the longest in U.S. history, lasting nearly 20 years and costing over $200 billion with nearly 58,000 American deaths. It also discusses the ongoing impacts on veterans including issues like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and exposure to Agent Orange.
The Vietnam War was a proxy war between communist North Vietnam, backed by China and the Soviet Union, and South Vietnam, backed by the United States and other anti-communist countries. After France withdrew from Vietnam in 1954, the US increasingly intervened to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam. US involvement escalated throughout the 1960s, with massive bombing campaigns and increasing troop deployment. However, North Vietnamese forces and Viet Cong guerrillas continued their resistance. Public opinion in the US turned against the war as casualties mounted. The US withdrew from Vietnam in 1973, and North Vietnamese forces conquered South Vietnam in 1975.
In January 1968, over 70,000 Communist soldiers launched the Tet Offensive, a surprise attack on South Vietnam in over 100 cities and towns. Though US and South Vietnamese forces managed to repel the attacks, the offensive shocked the American public and eroded support for the war as news coverage showed the extent of the fighting. While the North suffered heavy casualties, the Tet Offensive marked a turning point as it demonstrated the Communists' strength and undermined claims of US military success, leading President Johnson to de-escalate American involvement and not seek re-election that year.
The Vietnam War was the longest war in U.S. history, lasting over 20 years. More than 58,000 American soldiers were killed and over 300,000 were wounded. The war was deeply unpopular with the American public, with over 50% unable to explain the reasons for U.S. involvement. The war resulted in over 1.5 million deaths in Vietnam and caused lasting psychological and physical impacts on many American veterans.
The Vietnam War lasted from 1954 to 1975 and involved military engagement between North Vietnam and South Vietnam, with the United States backing South Vietnam. France had previously controlled Vietnam but withdrew after their defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. This led to Vietnam being divided along the 17th parallel, with communist North Vietnam controlling the north and US-backed South Vietnam controlling the south. Tensions rose and the US became increasingly involved, sending military advisors to support South Vietnam against North Vietnam and communist Viet Cong forces in the south. Major events of the war included the Gulf of Tonkin incident leading to increased US bombing of North Vietnam, the Tet Offensive of 1968, and the fall of Saigon in 1975 when North Vietnam defeated
The document provides background information on the USA and its entry into World War 1 in 1917. It discusses the USA's policy of isolationism prior to the war and its political system and parties. It then covers reasons why the US joined the war in 1917, including Germany resuming unrestricted submarine warfare which threatened US trade. President Wilson played a role in the Treaty of Versailles but the US Senate ultimately rejected joining the League of Nations. The war resulted in increased US trade and industry while isolationism increased following the war.
The Mexican-American War lasted from 1846 to 1848 and was fought between the United States and Mexico over the annexation of Texas and Mexico's northern lands by the U.S. The war started when Mexican troops attacked U.S. soldiers stationed in the disputed border region along the Rio Grande in 1846, and resulted in U.S. victories that expanded its territory significantly. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, Mexico ceded over 500,000 square miles of territory, including parts of modern day California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming, deepening tensions between slave and free states.
The Vietnam War grew out of Vietnam's long history as a French colony. After World War 2, Vietnam was divided into a communist North and democratic South. The US backed South Vietnam in an attempt to contain communism, believing that if South Vietnam fell, other countries would too. Despite US bombing campaigns and search/destroy missions that caused massive casualties, the Viet Cong waged a successful guerrilla war. US involvement became increasingly unpopular as the war dragged on. Ultimately, the US was unable to stop the communist takeover and North Vietnam reunified the country in 1975.
The document provides an overview of the Vietnam War from 1959-1975, including key events and perspectives from both sides. It summarizes that the Vietnam War was the longest in U.S. history, lasting nearly 20 years and costing over $200 billion with nearly 58,000 American deaths. It also discusses the ongoing impacts on veterans including issues like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and exposure to Agent Orange.
The Vietnam War was a proxy war between communist North Vietnam, backed by China and the Soviet Union, and South Vietnam, backed by the United States and other anti-communist countries. After France withdrew from Vietnam in 1954, the US increasingly intervened to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam. US involvement escalated throughout the 1960s, with massive bombing campaigns and increasing troop deployment. However, North Vietnamese forces and Viet Cong guerrillas continued their resistance. Public opinion in the US turned against the war as casualties mounted. The US withdrew from Vietnam in 1973, and North Vietnamese forces conquered South Vietnam in 1975.
In January 1968, over 70,000 Communist soldiers launched the Tet Offensive, a surprise attack on South Vietnam in over 100 cities and towns. Though US and South Vietnamese forces managed to repel the attacks, the offensive shocked the American public and eroded support for the war as news coverage showed the extent of the fighting. While the North suffered heavy casualties, the Tet Offensive marked a turning point as it demonstrated the Communists' strength and undermined claims of US military success, leading President Johnson to de-escalate American involvement and not seek re-election that year.
The Vietnam War was the longest war in U.S. history, lasting over 20 years. More than 58,000 American soldiers were killed and over 300,000 were wounded. The war was deeply unpopular with the American public, with over 50% unable to explain the reasons for U.S. involvement. The war resulted in over 1.5 million deaths in Vietnam and caused lasting psychological and physical impacts on many American veterans.
The Vietnam War lasted from 1954 to 1975 and involved military engagement between North Vietnam and South Vietnam, with the United States backing South Vietnam. France had previously controlled Vietnam but withdrew after their defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. This led to Vietnam being divided along the 17th parallel, with communist North Vietnam controlling the north and US-backed South Vietnam controlling the south. Tensions rose and the US became increasingly involved, sending military advisors to support South Vietnam against North Vietnam and communist Viet Cong forces in the south. Major events of the war included the Gulf of Tonkin incident leading to increased US bombing of North Vietnam, the Tet Offensive of 1968, and the fall of Saigon in 1975 when North Vietnam defeated
The document provides background information on the USA and its entry into World War 1 in 1917. It discusses the USA's policy of isolationism prior to the war and its political system and parties. It then covers reasons why the US joined the war in 1917, including Germany resuming unrestricted submarine warfare which threatened US trade. President Wilson played a role in the Treaty of Versailles but the US Senate ultimately rejected joining the League of Nations. The war resulted in increased US trade and industry while isolationism increased following the war.
The Mexican-American War lasted from 1846 to 1848 and was fought between the United States and Mexico over the annexation of Texas and Mexico's northern lands by the U.S. The war started when Mexican troops attacked U.S. soldiers stationed in the disputed border region along the Rio Grande in 1846, and resulted in U.S. victories that expanded its territory significantly. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, Mexico ceded over 500,000 square miles of territory, including parts of modern day California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming, deepening tensions between slave and free states.
The Vietnam War was a conflict between North Vietnam and South Vietnam that lasted from 1955 to 1975. It began as a war between Vietnam and France but later expanded with the United States supporting South Vietnam to contain the spread of communism. Despite massive U.S. military involvement, the war ended with a communist victory in 1975 as North Vietnam unified the country under communist rule.
The document provides an overview of the Vietnam War from multiple perspectives. It discusses the human toll in terms of lives lost and wounded for both Vietnam and the United States. It also examines public opinion shifts in the US as the war continued and details several major events and escalations of the war over time under different presidential administrations.
Vietnam war for Cambridge IGCSE HistoryJoanie Yeung
Introduction of Vietcong, Why did USA get involved in Vietnam? Why did USA fail to defeat the Vietcong? What were the roles played by the media and public opinion in USA? How did the Vietnam War end?
The Yalta Conference saw Allied leaders agree that Germany would be divided into four occupation zones after defeat, that war criminals would be prosecuted, and that liberated countries could hold free elections. They disagreed over Poland's borders. The Potsdam Conference addressed postwar issues in Germany, including reparations, with disagreements between Stalin and the new US President Truman over Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. By 1946, Eastern European countries had communist governments loyal to Stalin behind an "Iron Curtain".
The rise of dictators in Europe and Asia led to World War II. Adolf Hitler became the fascist dictator of Germany after being appointed chancellor in 1933. He established a totalitarian regime and rapidly rebuilt Germany's military in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. In the 1930s, Germany invaded countries in Europe and Japan invaded Manchuria and China, demonstrating growing aggression. The League of Nations proved unable to stop these acts of expansionism. The world moved closer to a second world war as the militaristic dictatorships of Germany and Japan continued to defy international law and threaten other nations.
Leonid Brezhnev was a Soviet leader who served as General Secretary from 1964 until his death in 1982. He reversed some liberalization under Khrushchev and cracked down on dissidents. Brezhnev pursued détente with the US, signing arms agreements but tensions increased after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Domestically, the economy stagnated under Brezhnev despite increased military spending. He died in 1982 after 18 years in power as the Soviet system increasingly showed signs of weakness.
This document provides background information on the political and economic isolationism policies of the United States in the 1920s-1930s and the events leading up to its entry into World War II in 1941. It discusses the Neutrality Acts of the 1930s, FDR's 1937 quarantine speech, and the Cash and Carry policy of 1939 which allowed allies to purchase arms. It also covers increased defense spending in 1940, the Lend-Lease plan to aid allies in 1941, and the Pearl Harbor attack which led to the US declaring war on the Allied side against the Axis powers.
1) Before World War 2, Korea had been invaded by both China and Japan throughout its history and was split along the 38th parallel after WWII, with the Soviet-backed North and the democratic South.
2) In June 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea in an attempt to reunify the country by force under communist rule.
3) After initial setbacks, United Nations forces led by the United States pushed North Korea back above the 38th parallel and advanced towards the Chinese border, but peace talks began in 1951 and a ceasefire was signed in 1953, leaving the division of Korea along the original border.
The document provides background information on the Korean War including its causes, key events, individuals involved, and lasting effects. It describes how the war began with North Korea invading South Korea in 1950 and the US and UN allies aiding South Korea while China and the Soviet Union supported North Korea, leading to a stalemate. Timelines, maps, and explanations of key figures like Kim Il-sung and General MacArthur are included to help understand the context and progression of the Korean War.
Aqui os dejo un trabajo de 4º ESO sobre la Guerra en vietnam, y en el final de ella, un video con un ataque de napalm, si eres una persona sensible, no recomiendo que te pares a ver este trabajo ya que contiene imagenes posiblemente no aptas para personas con estas características
This document provides an overview of World War II, including key events and statistics. It summarizes that WWII was the deadliest conflict in history with over 70 million killed, including two-thirds civilians. There were two main theatres - Asia/Pacific from 1931-1945 and Europe/North Africa from 1935-1945. The Axis powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan fought against the Allied powers of the UK, Soviet Union, US, and Free French forces. Major events included the German invasion of Poland in 1939 starting the war in Europe, as well as Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 drawing the US into the war.
VIETNAM WAR - 04. THE FRENCH COLONISATION OF INDOCHINAGeorge Dumitrache
The French colonization of Vietnam began in 1858 when French troops entered the country under orders from Napoleon III. By 1893, the French had complete control over Vietnam after using a strategy of dividing and conquering. Vietnam was split into three parts administered as French Indochina, which also included Cambodia and Laos. The French economically exploited Vietnamese labor and resources, establishing plantations that led to thousands of deaths from disease and poor conditions. French colonization created a new class structure that divided Vietnamese society and laid the foundations for future resistance movements against French rule.
The Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863 was a major Confederate victory where General Robert E. Lee defeated a larger Union army led by General Joseph Hooker. Despite being outnumbered, Lee divided his forces and ordered Stonewall Jackson to launch a surprise flank attack that routed the Union XI Corps. This battle demonstrated Lee's superior battlefield tactics and was one of his greatest victories, though it came at the cost of Jackson being accidentally shot and mortally wounded by his own men.
The Cold War defined international affairs after World War 2, especially following the Korean War. The document outlines 6 lessons on the Cold War: 1) The Origins of the Cold War as the US and USSR emerged as superpowers with opposing political/economic systems; 2) The Cold War Heats Up as China became communist and Korea was divided; 3) The Cold War at Home and McCarthyism led to accusations against innocent US citizens; 4) Two Nations Live on the Edge as the nuclear arms race and brinksmanship brought the two countries to the edge of war; 5) Mounting Tensions in the Sixties led to further conflicts; and 6) The End of the Cold War in the late 1980s.
The Cold War tensions between the US and Soviet Union extended beyond Europe to Asia. In 1949, these tensions were exacerbated by two events: the Soviet Union developed a nuclear bomb and China became communist under Mao Zedong. This prompted American fears around communism expressed through McCarthyism. Meanwhile, conflicts emerged in Korea and Vietnam between communist and non-communist factions. North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, leading the UN (mainly the US) to intervene on behalf of South Korea in the Korean War. In Vietnam, the US increasingly supported South Vietnam after France's withdrawal left a power vacuum, hoping to prevent the spread of communism throughout Asia under the "domino theory."
The document summarizes the division and conflict in Korea following World War 2. The US and Soviet Union occupied Korea along the 38th parallel. No agreement was reached on reunifying Korea, leading the UN to call for elections. The Soviet Union boycotted elections in the South, while establishing a Communist government in the North. This led to the establishment of North and South Korea, backed by different superpowers, setting the stage for the Korean War.
American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th century was driven by four main factors:
1) Business interests seeking new markets and raw materials as industrial capacity grew.
2) A belief in social Darwinism and the white man's burden to civilize other races.
3) The closing of the American frontier increasing the focus outward.
4) Growing military and strategic interests to secure new naval bases and protect business investments abroad.
This led the U.S. to aggressively expand its influence and territory through wars in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines as well as political and economic dominance in Latin America and Asia through the early 1900s.
The document outlines several key causes that led to the start of World War 2 in Europe, including the harsh Treaty of Versailles that left Germany humiliated after WWI. This led to the rise of fascism under Hitler and the Nazi party in Germany. Hitler aggressively expanded German territory by remilitarizing the Rhineland and annexing Austria and Czechoslovakia through appeasement by Britain and France. The Great Depression created economic hardship and unstable governments. Japan also increasingly expanded its empire into China. When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the start of World War 2.
The Tet Offensive was a major military campaign conducted during January-February 1968 by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese People's Army of Vietnam against South Vietnam, the United States, and their allies. It involved surprise attacks against major cities and towns across South Vietnam, including Saigon. Militarily, the offensive was a catastrophic failure for the Viet Cong and North Vietnam, as they suffered heavy losses. However, it had important political and psychological effects, undermining support for the war in the United States by contradicting claims by the Johnson administration that the end of the war was in sight. It marked a major turning point in the Vietnam War.
Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia. During the Cold War era, Vietnam was divided into North Vietnam and South Vietnam along the 17th parallel. North Vietnam was communist while South Vietnam was democratic and backed by the United States. Despite U.S. involvement and bombing campaigns, North Vietnam and the Viet Cong defeated South Vietnam and unified the country under communist rule in 1975. The Vietnam War resulted in over 3 million deaths and had lasting impacts on both Vietnam and the United States.
The Tet Offensive of 1968 was a major turning point in the Vietnam War. The North Vietnamese launched surprise attacks against South Vietnamese cities and even Saigon during Tet, the Vietnamese lunar new year holiday. This caught the U.S. off guard and contradicted their claims that they were winning the war. Images of the battle on television undermined support for the war at home. Although the U.S. and South Vietnam repelled the attacks, the offensive shifted perceptions and eroded confidence in the war effort. It marked a major escalation by North Vietnam and led to reevaluations of U.S. strategy and involvement in the conflict.
The document provides an overview of the Vietnam War, including key statistics and events. It discusses the public opinion of the war in the US, the escalating US involvement over multiple presidential administrations, and major battles like the Tet Offensive and My Lai Massacre. It also covers the anti-war movement in the US and protests on college campuses against US involvement in Vietnam.
The Vietnam War was a conflict between North Vietnam and South Vietnam that lasted from 1955 to 1975. It began as a war between Vietnam and France but later expanded with the United States supporting South Vietnam to contain the spread of communism. Despite massive U.S. military involvement, the war ended with a communist victory in 1975 as North Vietnam unified the country under communist rule.
The document provides an overview of the Vietnam War from multiple perspectives. It discusses the human toll in terms of lives lost and wounded for both Vietnam and the United States. It also examines public opinion shifts in the US as the war continued and details several major events and escalations of the war over time under different presidential administrations.
Vietnam war for Cambridge IGCSE HistoryJoanie Yeung
Introduction of Vietcong, Why did USA get involved in Vietnam? Why did USA fail to defeat the Vietcong? What were the roles played by the media and public opinion in USA? How did the Vietnam War end?
The Yalta Conference saw Allied leaders agree that Germany would be divided into four occupation zones after defeat, that war criminals would be prosecuted, and that liberated countries could hold free elections. They disagreed over Poland's borders. The Potsdam Conference addressed postwar issues in Germany, including reparations, with disagreements between Stalin and the new US President Truman over Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. By 1946, Eastern European countries had communist governments loyal to Stalin behind an "Iron Curtain".
The rise of dictators in Europe and Asia led to World War II. Adolf Hitler became the fascist dictator of Germany after being appointed chancellor in 1933. He established a totalitarian regime and rapidly rebuilt Germany's military in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. In the 1930s, Germany invaded countries in Europe and Japan invaded Manchuria and China, demonstrating growing aggression. The League of Nations proved unable to stop these acts of expansionism. The world moved closer to a second world war as the militaristic dictatorships of Germany and Japan continued to defy international law and threaten other nations.
Leonid Brezhnev was a Soviet leader who served as General Secretary from 1964 until his death in 1982. He reversed some liberalization under Khrushchev and cracked down on dissidents. Brezhnev pursued détente with the US, signing arms agreements but tensions increased after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Domestically, the economy stagnated under Brezhnev despite increased military spending. He died in 1982 after 18 years in power as the Soviet system increasingly showed signs of weakness.
This document provides background information on the political and economic isolationism policies of the United States in the 1920s-1930s and the events leading up to its entry into World War II in 1941. It discusses the Neutrality Acts of the 1930s, FDR's 1937 quarantine speech, and the Cash and Carry policy of 1939 which allowed allies to purchase arms. It also covers increased defense spending in 1940, the Lend-Lease plan to aid allies in 1941, and the Pearl Harbor attack which led to the US declaring war on the Allied side against the Axis powers.
1) Before World War 2, Korea had been invaded by both China and Japan throughout its history and was split along the 38th parallel after WWII, with the Soviet-backed North and the democratic South.
2) In June 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea in an attempt to reunify the country by force under communist rule.
3) After initial setbacks, United Nations forces led by the United States pushed North Korea back above the 38th parallel and advanced towards the Chinese border, but peace talks began in 1951 and a ceasefire was signed in 1953, leaving the division of Korea along the original border.
The document provides background information on the Korean War including its causes, key events, individuals involved, and lasting effects. It describes how the war began with North Korea invading South Korea in 1950 and the US and UN allies aiding South Korea while China and the Soviet Union supported North Korea, leading to a stalemate. Timelines, maps, and explanations of key figures like Kim Il-sung and General MacArthur are included to help understand the context and progression of the Korean War.
Aqui os dejo un trabajo de 4º ESO sobre la Guerra en vietnam, y en el final de ella, un video con un ataque de napalm, si eres una persona sensible, no recomiendo que te pares a ver este trabajo ya que contiene imagenes posiblemente no aptas para personas con estas características
This document provides an overview of World War II, including key events and statistics. It summarizes that WWII was the deadliest conflict in history with over 70 million killed, including two-thirds civilians. There were two main theatres - Asia/Pacific from 1931-1945 and Europe/North Africa from 1935-1945. The Axis powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan fought against the Allied powers of the UK, Soviet Union, US, and Free French forces. Major events included the German invasion of Poland in 1939 starting the war in Europe, as well as Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 drawing the US into the war.
VIETNAM WAR - 04. THE FRENCH COLONISATION OF INDOCHINAGeorge Dumitrache
The French colonization of Vietnam began in 1858 when French troops entered the country under orders from Napoleon III. By 1893, the French had complete control over Vietnam after using a strategy of dividing and conquering. Vietnam was split into three parts administered as French Indochina, which also included Cambodia and Laos. The French economically exploited Vietnamese labor and resources, establishing plantations that led to thousands of deaths from disease and poor conditions. French colonization created a new class structure that divided Vietnamese society and laid the foundations for future resistance movements against French rule.
The Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863 was a major Confederate victory where General Robert E. Lee defeated a larger Union army led by General Joseph Hooker. Despite being outnumbered, Lee divided his forces and ordered Stonewall Jackson to launch a surprise flank attack that routed the Union XI Corps. This battle demonstrated Lee's superior battlefield tactics and was one of his greatest victories, though it came at the cost of Jackson being accidentally shot and mortally wounded by his own men.
The Cold War defined international affairs after World War 2, especially following the Korean War. The document outlines 6 lessons on the Cold War: 1) The Origins of the Cold War as the US and USSR emerged as superpowers with opposing political/economic systems; 2) The Cold War Heats Up as China became communist and Korea was divided; 3) The Cold War at Home and McCarthyism led to accusations against innocent US citizens; 4) Two Nations Live on the Edge as the nuclear arms race and brinksmanship brought the two countries to the edge of war; 5) Mounting Tensions in the Sixties led to further conflicts; and 6) The End of the Cold War in the late 1980s.
The Cold War tensions between the US and Soviet Union extended beyond Europe to Asia. In 1949, these tensions were exacerbated by two events: the Soviet Union developed a nuclear bomb and China became communist under Mao Zedong. This prompted American fears around communism expressed through McCarthyism. Meanwhile, conflicts emerged in Korea and Vietnam between communist and non-communist factions. North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, leading the UN (mainly the US) to intervene on behalf of South Korea in the Korean War. In Vietnam, the US increasingly supported South Vietnam after France's withdrawal left a power vacuum, hoping to prevent the spread of communism throughout Asia under the "domino theory."
The document summarizes the division and conflict in Korea following World War 2. The US and Soviet Union occupied Korea along the 38th parallel. No agreement was reached on reunifying Korea, leading the UN to call for elections. The Soviet Union boycotted elections in the South, while establishing a Communist government in the North. This led to the establishment of North and South Korea, backed by different superpowers, setting the stage for the Korean War.
American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th century was driven by four main factors:
1) Business interests seeking new markets and raw materials as industrial capacity grew.
2) A belief in social Darwinism and the white man's burden to civilize other races.
3) The closing of the American frontier increasing the focus outward.
4) Growing military and strategic interests to secure new naval bases and protect business investments abroad.
This led the U.S. to aggressively expand its influence and territory through wars in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines as well as political and economic dominance in Latin America and Asia through the early 1900s.
The document outlines several key causes that led to the start of World War 2 in Europe, including the harsh Treaty of Versailles that left Germany humiliated after WWI. This led to the rise of fascism under Hitler and the Nazi party in Germany. Hitler aggressively expanded German territory by remilitarizing the Rhineland and annexing Austria and Czechoslovakia through appeasement by Britain and France. The Great Depression created economic hardship and unstable governments. Japan also increasingly expanded its empire into China. When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the start of World War 2.
The Tet Offensive was a major military campaign conducted during January-February 1968 by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese People's Army of Vietnam against South Vietnam, the United States, and their allies. It involved surprise attacks against major cities and towns across South Vietnam, including Saigon. Militarily, the offensive was a catastrophic failure for the Viet Cong and North Vietnam, as they suffered heavy losses. However, it had important political and psychological effects, undermining support for the war in the United States by contradicting claims by the Johnson administration that the end of the war was in sight. It marked a major turning point in the Vietnam War.
Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia. During the Cold War era, Vietnam was divided into North Vietnam and South Vietnam along the 17th parallel. North Vietnam was communist while South Vietnam was democratic and backed by the United States. Despite U.S. involvement and bombing campaigns, North Vietnam and the Viet Cong defeated South Vietnam and unified the country under communist rule in 1975. The Vietnam War resulted in over 3 million deaths and had lasting impacts on both Vietnam and the United States.
The Tet Offensive of 1968 was a major turning point in the Vietnam War. The North Vietnamese launched surprise attacks against South Vietnamese cities and even Saigon during Tet, the Vietnamese lunar new year holiday. This caught the U.S. off guard and contradicted their claims that they were winning the war. Images of the battle on television undermined support for the war at home. Although the U.S. and South Vietnam repelled the attacks, the offensive shifted perceptions and eroded confidence in the war effort. It marked a major escalation by North Vietnam and led to reevaluations of U.S. strategy and involvement in the conflict.
The document provides an overview of the Vietnam War, including key statistics and events. It discusses the public opinion of the war in the US, the escalating US involvement over multiple presidential administrations, and major battles like the Tet Offensive and My Lai Massacre. It also covers the anti-war movement in the US and protests on college campuses against US involvement in Vietnam.
The document discusses reasons for the US loss in the Vietnam War over multiple factors:
1) The US military faced difficulties in Vietnam due to unsuccessful tactics against guerilla warfare and losing the support of the American public through events broadcast on TV.
2) North Vietnam had strengths including experienced soldiers, knowledge of the terrain, support of locals, and aid from allies which countered US technology and strategy.
3) Factors that may have weakened the analysis include the usefulness of helicopters for the US and outdated Soviet weapons systems aiding North Vietnam. The document provides background on the war and guides analyzing reasons for the US loss through military, political, and social factors.
This document provides background information on the Vietnam War and discusses the development of US Army and Marine Corps sniper programs during the war. It describes how the failure of search and destroy tactics led the military to recognize the need for snipers. It then summarizes the establishment of sniper training schools and discusses the roles and challenges of snipers in Vietnam, highlighting how they helped compensate for limitations of other infantry weapons and tactics against an elusive enemy.
The document summarizes the history of the war in Vietnam, beginning with the French war in Indochina from 1946-1954. It then discusses growing U.S. involvement and support for South Vietnam starting in the 1950s due to fears of communist expansion (the Domino Theory). Despite escalating U.S. military involvement and bombing campaigns in the 1960s under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, the Vietnam War became a protracted guerilla conflict with no clear victory for U.S. forces. By the late 1960s, over 500,000 U.S. troops were engaged in Vietnam in a war that resulted in over 58,000 U.S. soldier deaths.
The document provides a history of Vietnam from the 1800s to 1975, starting with Vietnam as a French colony. It then discusses Vietnam gaining independence after World War 2 but being divided into North and South Vietnam in 1954. The US became increasingly involved in supporting South Vietnam through sending advisors and troops to fight the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. Despite some military successes, widespread anti-war protests emerged in the US as the conflict became increasingly unpopular. US involvement ended in 1973 but South Vietnam fell to communist forces in 1975.
The Vietnam War was a significant event in American history that sparked widespread protests. The Viet Cong relied on the Ho Chi Minh Trail to transport supplies through jungles and tunnels to evade American forces. The U.S. used helicopters and defoliating chemicals like Agent Orange to fight back. Major political figures like presidents Johnson and Nixon escalated U.S. involvement, while protests against the war grew due to events like the Kent State shootings and draft of Muhammad Ali. The war ended U.S. involvement in 1973 but had lasting impacts on American society and politics.
The Vietnam War was a significant event in American history that sparked widespread protests. The Viet Cong relied on the Ho Chi Minh Trail to transport supplies through jungles and tunnels to evade American and South Vietnamese forces. The US used helicopters and defoliating agents like Agent Orange, dropping over 19 million gallons to expose the enemy. The Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964 led to increased US involvement after reported attacks on US ships. Key figures who influenced the war effort included presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon as well as military leaders McNamara, Kissinger, Giap, and Thieu. Mass protests erupted over the expansion of the war into Cambodia and the killing of students at Kent State and Jackson State
Lesson 15 the us navy, vietnam, and limited war, 1964 1975Brad
The document provides an overview of the US Navy's role in the Vietnam War from 1964-1975. It discusses key events like the Gulf of Tonkin Incident that escalated US involvement, as well as naval operations like Market Time that intercepted enemy supply routes along the coast. The Tet Offensive of 1968 was a turning point, demonstrating that the war would not end quickly as expected. Admiral Elmo Zumwalt later oversaw the withdrawal of US naval forces as part of Vietnamization under Nixon.
The document provides an overview of the key causes and events of the Vietnam War. It describes how Vietnam was divided in 1954 with US-backed South Vietnam and Soviet-backed North Vietnam. As fighting escalated, the US became increasingly involved through the 1960s due to the Domino Theory. Major events discussed include the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution of 1964, the Tet Offensive of 1968, and the fall of Saigon in 1975. It also examines the domestic anti-war movement in the US and the human costs of the war.
The Vietnam War began as a conflict between North Vietnam and South Vietnam following the country's division in 1954. The U.S. initially sent military advisors to support South Vietnam but became increasingly involved over time. By the late 1960s, over 500,000 U.S. troops were fighting in Vietnam amid growing domestic anti-war sentiment. A ceasefire was reached in 1973 and U.S. troops withdrew, after which North and South Vietnam were reunited under communist rule. The war was one of the most divisive in American history.
Hogan's History- Cold War: Kennedy to Vietnam WarWilliam Hogan
This document provides background information on the Vietnam War. It discusses key events and individuals involved in the escalation of US involvement in Vietnam from the 1950s through the 1960s. Some of the main points covered include the Eisenhower Doctrine and Domino Theory that influenced US foreign policy, the division of Vietnam following French withdrawal, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that increased US troop deployment, strategies employed by both sides in the war, and the growing anti-war movement in the US in response to the human and economic costs of the war.
- The document outlines the history of US involvement in the Vietnam War from 1963 to 1975, starting with the division of Vietnam following French rule and the rise of Vietnamese nationalism and communism under Ho Chi Minh.
- It describes the escalating US military involvement and bombing campaigns throughout the 1960s as well as the divided public opinion and anti-war movement at home.
- A key turning point was the Tet Offensive of 1968, which was a military victory for the US but turned US public opinion against continuing the war.
- The war finally ended in 1973 with the withdrawal of US troops and the fall of South Vietnam to the North in 1975.
The document discusses guerilla warfare tactics used by Vietnamese forces against the United States during the Vietnam War. It explains that the Vietcong relied on guerilla warfare techniques, using weapons sourced from China and homemade traps. It also describes the extensive underground tunnel systems the Vietnamese soldiers constructed throughout remote areas for hiding, storage, and transportation during battles.
The document discusses several aspects of the Vietnam War from the US perspective, including:
1) How the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution gave President Lyndon Johnson authority to escalate US involvement without a formal declaration of war.
2) The increasing US troop levels from 16,000 in 1963 to 500,000 by 1968.
3) The tactics and challenges of fighting in the Vietnamese jungle against an enemy that used guerilla warfare and hid among the civilian population.
4) The US strategy of using air power and defoliants like Agent Orange to destroy jungle cover and force the Viet Cong into open battles, but this failed to change the course of the war.
The document summarizes key events and aspects of the Vietnam War, including the initial involvement of the US in supporting South Vietnam, major battles like the Battle of Hamburger Hill, the integration of African American soldiers, and protests against the war including at Kent State University. It also discusses the Cold War context with communism in North Vietnam and China/Soviet assistance, as well as simultaneous domestic civil rights issues in the US.
The Vietnam War lasted from 1950-1975 between North Vietnam supported by China and the Soviet Union against South Vietnam supported by the United States. Key events included the division of Vietnam along the 17th parallel in 1954, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that escalated US involvement, and the Tet Offensive that turned US public opinion against the war. Tactics like search and destroy bombings, use of napalm and agent orange took a toll on Vietnamese civilians and the environment. Protests against the war within the US grew until the US withdrawal was completed in 1973, ending in the fall of Saigon to communist forces in 1975.
The document provides background information on the Vietnam War from the US perspective. It describes the US strategy of using air power and search and destroy missions to counter Viet Cong guerilla tactics. However, the US underestimated the resolve of the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong and had difficulty winning the support of South Vietnamese people. Over time, as US troop and casualty numbers rose without clear success, the war became increasingly unpopular back home.
The Vietnam War was a prolonged conflict between nationalist forces seeking to unify Vietnam under a communist government and the United States attempting to prevent the spread of communism. It began as a result of Vietnam's struggle for independence from French colonial rule and escalated with increasing U.S. involvement. After major communist victories and declining public support at home, the U.S. withdrew from Vietnam in 1973, leaving South Vietnam to fight on its own until being unified under communist rule in 1975.
When Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam in 1940, Vietnam was ruled by the colonial rulers of France, and was later occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War With the Japanese defeated, the French was hoping to restore order in Vietnam, but then, underneath the lead of Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese fought the French for independence After 7 years of intense fighting, the French were finally defeated, at the battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954
Although the French Army has air superiority, the French still got defeated, because the Vietminh soldiers have first hand knowledge about the terrain and the local hideouts, making French bombers and fighters unable to kill the Vietnamese soldiers Also, the French didn’t know that other Communist Countries like the Soviet Union and Communist China are supplying the Vietminh with heavy artillery and tanks, so when the Vietminh begun their siege of Dien Bien Phu, the French were caught off-guard, as heavy artillery shells exploded around them The Battle lasted 55 days, before the French surrendered
The main strategy used by the Vietminh is by hiding in foxholes and travelling around in tunnels, while the ground above is being bombed by artillery fire and French planes The Vietminh are very experienced soldiers that all master the art of camouflage, making them invisible to the French Air Force With the Vietminh soldiers invisible, the French positions fall, one by one, as the Vietminh soldiers advance
After the defeat of the French in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, peace talks began in Geneva The Geneva agreement was signed by the French and North Vietnam These are the terms listed in the Geneva Agreement: France to grant independence to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam Vietnam to be split in half – but only temporarily – by a partition line along the 17th parallel A demilitarized zone separating North and South Vietnam And to have free and democratic elections to be held in 1956 under the supervision of an International commission to reunite North and South Vietnam under a single leader
Ngo Dinh Diem was appointed Prime Minister by the Emperor Bao Dai Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the communists in the North was confident that he would win the free elections promised in the Geneva Agreement in 1956 But a year later, in 1957, Diem overthrown the Emperor Bao Dai, and transformed South Vietnam into a Republic, and named himself president Diem was a nationalist, who was supported by the United States With the US supporting Diem, Ho Chi Minh was not that confident that he would win the elections and become the one and only leader of a unified Vietnam But Diem didn’t hold any elections at all, saying that the North does not allow free elections, which was supported by the US government, although Diem didn’t really follow the Geneva Agreement.
Although Diem was supported by the US, Diem was not popular amongst the Vietnamese Farmers in the countryside who owned land from the Vietminh were evicted from their homes, and moved to the cities, losing their land And because of Diem’s religion, Roman Catholicism, many Vietnamese people disliked him and hated him, especially monks, who follow the Buddhist religion, Buddhism, who were not allowed to fly flags on the Buddha’s birthday, while Catholics are allowed to fly flags and get all the best jobs in the government Street protests began and riots started, as Diem’s popularity rapidly drops Monks protest against Diem by burning themselves in the street And soon near the end of 1963, Diem was assassinated by ARVN generals, who overthrown the government
The incident happened on August 2nd, 1964, when a US destroyer USS Maddox was attacked by 3 North Vietnamese Navy torpedo boats belonging to the 135th Torpedo Squadron There were no US casualties during the whole incident, but the North Vietnamese did suffer 4 dead and 6 wounded The US destroyer received minor damage from bullet rounds fired by the NV navy on board the boats The incident was used as an excuse by US President Lyndon B. Johnson to pass a solution through the Congress in response to the Gulf on Tonkin incident to take all necessary means of action against any further attacks from the North Vietnamese Johnson needed full support, and his justification came on the 6-7th of Feb.1965, when the Vietcong attacked a US base in Pleiku, making the US public see the point in sending troops into Vietnam
They hid in underground tunnels and stored weapons, food supplies, and ammunition. Some were dug as bomb shelters, others were huge strongholds where hundreds of armed troops could live for weeks, because they were well hidden. When the Americans thought they had cleared an area or when they shut themselves in their ‘safe’ bunks surrounded by barbed wire, the Vietcong would come out of their hideouts and attack (usually at night-time)
Booby traps were used a lot in the area of the hideouts in-case any Americans were to discover their position. Some of the traps used were called Punji traps. The Vietcong dug holes in the ground and put sharpened bamboo stakes, covered with poison, so when an American came onto their territory, they would fall in and die, or get injured and get blood poisoning Another trap used in the war was trip wire. The Vietcong attached wires to two trees opposite each other and when someone ran into it would set off a grenade. Also for trip wires, they could attach spiked balls or maces to a rope and when the trip wire was triggered the rope would snap and the weapon would slice down and kill anyone in its path.
Traps were another expertise of the Vietcong besides their skill in camouflaging An estimation of approx. 11% of American deaths are caused by traps, and 17% of American injuries Traps similar to the Punji trap were also used during the war
The Vietnam war was mainly fought over in tropical conditions Swamps, paddy fields, jungles, and mountains surrounded the country Weather conditions were harsh
Because of the tropical conditions in Vietnam, the Vietcong and the NVA had an advantage against US soldiers who were not adapted to Vietnam’s terrain It took a large amount of precious time for the Americans to adapt to Vietnam’s conditions, as they were trained in a different environment And because of this unfamiliar environment, the US army relied heavily on helicopters and APCs (Armoured Personal Carriers) Helicopters were used as transports, armoured gunships, and troop carriers ‘ choppers’ were also manly used in search and destroy missions, to overcome the difficulties of travelling on land Over 2200 helicopters were lost in the war, during battle APCs were also used heavily, because of its ability to travel on water and land, and provide protection to the infantry inside the vehicle
Vietcong members were all men and women who lived in or fled from South Vietnam The Vietcong fighters mainly fought night-time guerilla warfare, unlike their North Vietnamese Army (NVA) counter-parts, who fight conventional warfare, although they have similar abilities as the Vietcong NVA units are all recruits from the North, unlike the Vietcong Vietcong forces were mainly concentrated at the countryside, although Vietcong fighters do stay in the cities as saboteurs and terrorists Sabotages by the VC reminded the people why the war was being fought
Vietcong Tactics were divided into 3 main stages: 1: Infiltrate the countryside: Get to know the people, gain their trust, spread the idea of revolution, and signing up new recruits 2:a) Fight guerrilla warfare: -Ambush Enemy vehicles, isolated units and outposts -Sabotage, terrorism, and murder -Plant mines and traps b) Camouflage: -move around undetected -the use of tunnels and foxholes to avoid US pursue 3: Open warfare: If kindness didn’t work to gain the people’s trust, they use terrorism and murder, torturing officials and executing spies When the Vietcong gained control of the countryside, they immediately launched guerrilla campaigns against US and ARVN troops
Guerrilla war means “little war” in Spanish Guerillas were members of an irregular armed force that fights a stronger force by sabotage and harassment Local guerrillas were given only a basic minimum of infantry training But if they were to become main attack force unit, they would receive up to a month of advanced training Local forces also designed primitive weapons, some designed to frighten intruders, but others were extremely dangerous American troops were new to this type of warfare, because they were mainly trained to fight conventional warfare, and that is why the US Army carried-out search and destroy missions
By the mid-1960s, most of the main force Vietcong troops were armed with Chinese versions of the Russian AK-47, which is also known as the Type 56 assault rifle They used a range of effective Soviet and Chinese light and medium machine guns, as well as a range of sniper rifles supplied by the Soviet Union They also used heavy machine guns as an anti-air weapon against incoming US helicopters The Vietcong and the NVA both used weapons like recoilless-rifles, and highly effective Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) During the war, other countries in the Warsaw pact also supplied guns to the NVA and VC Captured American weapons were also used by the Vietnamese, such as the M16, M1 carbine, and the M1918A2 30. caliber Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR)
Vietcong had no uniform, making them looking the same as normal Vietnamese peasants, because of their identical black pyjamas and wide straw hats The Americans had a hard time distinguishing the real VC fighters from the normal Vietnamese peasants Vietcong forces avoided large-scale confrontations with the enemy, because they knew they cannot win against the US air force, as well as their other military advantages Vietcong fighters instead, moved on to being experts of camouflage, disguise, ambushes, tricks, and traps Whenever chased or hunted by the US troops, the Vietcong always had the ability of merging into the landscape and vanishing into thin air
Vietcong fighters built and dug tunnels to evade American air attacks Tunnels developed from basic tunnels and hideouts to ambush enemy units to a vast tunnel system By the end of the war, tunnels have merged into systems that are as long as 250km Inside the tunnel system, there are underground kitchens, weapon stores, dormitories, hospitals, and resting areas The tunnel system showed the determination of the Vietcong troops, and not their demoralization from US air attacks Tunnels were also used as supply routes During the war, supply routes were built from North Vietnam to South Vietnam One of the most famous supply routes was called the Ho Chi Minh Trail
The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a route way between North and South Vietnam stretching as far as 1000km long This trail enabled North Vietnam to supply guerrillas, weapons, equipment and food to the Vietcong in the South The trail is mainly around ridges, valleys, and hills in the Kingdoms of Laos and Cambodia The trail was able to support troops not only in south Vietnam, but other places in Vietnam itself too The Ho Chi Minh Trail was not a single route way, but a system of routes, with dummy paths and decoys to confuse enemy aircraft The Communists called the trail the Truong Son Strategic Supply Route, named after a mountain range in Vietnam The Ho Chi Minh Trail had routes for trucks, paths for foot and bicycle traffic, and river transportation systems
The Ho Chi Minh Trail was the main supply route for NV to supply the VC in the south In some parts of the trail, the trail is 80km wide A work force of 40,000 people were stationed along the trail to keep the supply vehicles moving Much of the trail was hidden from the air underneath the layers of canopy in the forest The trail was quoted as “one of the great achievements of military engineering of the 20th century” Life and work was hard on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, US and ARVN warplanes attacked supply convoys when the weather was fine, when the weather was poor, they were soaked to the skin Packs carried by soldiers doubled in weight from the monsoon rains in the rainforests Mosquitoes attacked the soldiers after the US warplanes did
Most of the weapons and supplies came from the Communist allies of North Vietnam Soviet Union: The Soviet Union supplied most of the aircraft, heavy guns, and Surface-to-air missiles (SAM) Communist China: China supplied most of the fuel, ammunition, firearms, and food And finally, the Third most important supplier, the US United States Of America: Large amounts of American equipment fell into enemy hands during the war The captured equipment was recycled and re-used Unexploded shells were dismantled and the explosives inside were used to make Vietcong booby traps and bombs
On 11th of Feb. 1965, the US launched a bombing campaign against the NVA called Operation Rolling Thunder The Main Cities in North Vietnam were constantly being bombed by US B-52 Heavy Bombers This is called saturation bombing, as Americans thought that the more they bombed, the quicker NV will fall to its knees, but quite the opposite, the NVA morale increased and their determination strengthened from US air raids Hanoi and other areas in NV was soon quoted by US aircrews as “the most heavily defended region the world has ever seen.” Over 1,400 US war planes were shot down in NV territory between 1965 and 1968
The NVA in North Vietnam used 3 main strategies to engage US fighters 1) Anti-Aircraft Guns: These Anti-Aircraft Guns were manned by eager gun crews who were responsible for most of the plane hits 2) SAMs (Surface-To-Air Missiles): These missiles supplied by the Soviet Union were used, but it was proved to be less effective than AA guns, because SAMs can be easily evaded by US pilots using emergency counter-measures 3) Soviet MIG-17 and MIG-21PF fighters were used by the NVA to engage and intercept incoming US fighters with air-to-air missiles, flown by NVA pilots who were highly trained and skilled, and were respected by the American pilots who were equally skilled
The reason why the Americans had to use chemical weapons is because planes and helicopters found it very difficult to target Vietcong units concealed underneath the Vietnamese forests They Used 4 Main methods to remove the cover provided to the VC: 1) Napalm: This was a chemical substance that is mixed with gasoline or other flammable liquids to produce a sticky gel, which sticks to objects or victims when dropped from planes and ignited by white phosphorus Napalm was used to burn away leaves and vegetation in the forests But because of its feature of being sticky, some unfortunate civilians suffered serious burns when napalm stuck to them after it was dropped from US warplanes
2) Herbicides and weed-killers were used to kill the plants and vegetation 3)Dropping heavy bombs at trees to turn them into smaller fragments Bombs such as the BLU-82 or known as “daisy-cutters” were used during the war on rainforests to clear landing spots for helicopters and artillery guns 4) American troops also used giant mechanical ploughs to tear down/up-root trees Then the US Army came up with a solution to effectively take down trees They began using weed-killers or known as defoliants, which kills leaves on trees The American air force then launched a series of defoliant missions known as the “Ranch Hand Operations”
The spraying of these defoliants began from 1962-1971, with 20% of Vietnam’s forests being sprayed over a 9 year period During these defoliant missions, a range of colour-coded defoliants were used (these defoliants were known as “Rainbow Herbicides”) The most well-known defoliant out of the “Rainbow Herbicides” was the chemical defoliant called “Agent Orange” Approx. 77,000,000L of Agent Orange were sprayed over the Mekong Delta Region and parts of Vietnam Unfortunately, Agent Orange contains a poison that is highly toxic called dioxin The toxic chemical poisoned the environment and contaminated the soil and the people who handled the chemical when it was loaded onto the planes in the US airbases
After the defoliant was sprayed, the affected people in the area sprayed began vomiting and having headaches, and Vietnamese doctors are beginning to become concerned about the situation The vomiting and the headaches were just the short-term effects Long-term effects caused by the chemical are things like: Birth defects Serious skin complaints Damage to the brain development of babies exposed to the chemical Over 25,000 sq km of rainforest and cropland was ruined by this nasty defoliant Mangrove swamps in the Mekong Delta area were almost destroyed Agent Orange was responsible for over 400,000 deaths and disabilities, and approx. 500,000 children who were born with birth defects because of the exposure to the chemical
Search and Destroy missions began in 1966 The aim of these missions were to hunt and eliminate NVA units and Vietcong fighters hiding underneath the cover of forests Huge Supply bases were built to support inland ‘firebases’ for search and destroy missions The Main supply bases were built on the coast, like the Danang and Cam Ranh base, so they can be reinforced by sea if attacked Helicopters were widely used for search and destroy, as the environment in Vietnam was not suitable for tanks Operation Junction City – One of the largest offensive search and destroy missions launched on the 22nd of Feb. 1967
Because of the identical clothes worn by the Vietcong and normal Vietnamese peasants, The Americans have devised a way of detecting Vietcong suspects The one and only method to detect Vietcong fighters is to either search and find weapons, equipment, and food supplies, or catch the person at night holding a rifle, or other weapons Vietcong suspects from search and destroy missions were treated brutally and tortured Vietcong suspects were also interrogated in hidden compartments, while an informant identifies the person as a VC member or not After the interrogation is done, the US soldiers call for an air strike and level the villages with napalm, after they exit the area
On the 16th March, 1968 – 9 black helicopter gunships landed in My Lai Village, 120km away from the large supply base of Danang along the coast 3 platoons of US marines left the choppers on a search and destroy mission The US soldiers shot everything in sight when they reached the village Children, women, men, and animals were shot ruthlessly by the US troops Some people were still moving after their legs were shot off After 18 months, the truth of the massacre was revealed to the world, many people were horrified, while others believed that the incident was fake Soldiers who were involved all said that they were just “following orders”, and that if they don’t follow the orders, they will be “court-martialled” Official estimates say that not less than 175 civilians were killed, but the death toll could have been as high as 400 or 500 deaths The soldiers were briefed that everything in the village were either Vietcong or Vietcong sympathizers Missions like the one in My Lai village were executed all over Vietnam at the time, so there was no reason for the US to think that My Lai Village was any different
“ Body Counts” were done after a battle or a mission, to see how many of the enemy are killed Many Us soldiers died in combat, but US casualties were small, compared to Vietnamese casualties Because of the high casualties on the Vietnamese side, the US officers thought that they were winning the War of Attrition (War to used up all the enemy’s resources faster than using up your own)
These are the statistics of the casualties suffered on the US side. You can see a peak in 1968, when the troop level was at its highest, and the number of casualties as well.
These are the statistics of the casualties suffered from the NV and VC side. Again you can see a peak in 1968, when over 200,000 soldiers were killed in action.
January, 1968, General Westmoreland was convinced that the Americans will win the war, because of the amount of casualties suffered from the NVA and VC side The Vietcong had lost almost 100,000 soldiers in 1967 By 1968, there are over 500,000 US troops stationed in Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu had been elected President of South Vietnam in 1967 The Vietcong and NVA had lost every battle against the US army and the ARVN US soldiers carried out Search and Destroy missions in the jungles while the ARVN protected the South Vietnamese Cities US soldiers thought victory was in sight The attack began in the morning of Wednesday 31st of Jan. 1968
This campaign was named Tet, after the holiday known as the Tet Festival, which is the Lunar New Year for the Vietnamese and the most important holiday of the year The Tet Offensive was the largest military operation launched by the Communist forces in the whole war The attack began in the morning of the 31st of January 1968 This attack was well organized and coordinated Over 80,000 communist soldiers from the NVA and VC attacked more than 100 towns and cities at the same time The targets in this attack covered 36 out of 44 provincial capitals, 5 out of 6 independent cities, 72 out of 245 district towns, and finally, the Southern Vietnamese Capital of Saigon The attack surprised the US Army and the ARVN, but soon they fought back against the communists and pushed them back The Communist forces were exhausted and suffered heavy casualties, after the US and ARVN troops fought back
Although the attack was a failure for the communist forces, the attack also killed many US and ARVN troops, causing the public in the US homeland to think that the Vietnam war was a waste of US lives The original plan and aim was to start uprisings in the South, but instead, the people in the US homeland urged the government to end the war, forcing the country to start peace talks The North Vietnamese government agreed to join the peace talks after the Tet Offensive At least 30,000 Vietcong fighters have been killed in the Offensive, which was a heavy blow to the Vietcong, and they never really managed to recover from that blow, so the fighting after the offensive was mostly handled by the NVA Over 100,000 VC and NVA units were killed during the offensive
The ceasefire agreement from the peace talks gave authorization to the Americans to give South Vietnam air support if attacked by North Vietnam Although the agreement gave permission for air support, the US help was half-hearted, and soon the North Vietnamese pushed steadily southwards People who had opposed the Communists fled in terror before their advance, while they jammed the roads leading south Along the coast, swarms of little boats pushed off, awash with frantic refugees
The last US combat troops left South Vietnam in March 1973, two months after the ceasefire was signed But the agreement allowed 150,000 Communist soldiers to stay in the country while the South Vietnamese were unable to drive them out American aid was dwindling, while Soviet help for the North had grown considerably As the fighting continued all through 1973 and 1974, the South Vietnamese soldiers slowly showed their vulnerability without American Aid
In Saigon, US helicopters flew 8000 of their Southern Vietnamese supporters to safety aboard American warships anchored offshore The last guards at the American embassy were airlifted off the roof as looters broke down the main door And on the 30th of April, the Northern Vietnamese army captured Saigon, and the Communist victory was complete
And on the 8th of August 1974, President Nixon resigned and Vice President Gerald Ford took his place No-one could tell whether the new President would continue to support South Vietnam, and this uncertainly encouraged the Communists to risk a final assault on the Southern Vietnam Capital of Saigon And on the January of 1975, the North Vietnam began a full-scale general offensive against the South The Vietnam War officially ended, after the City of Saigon was seized by Northern Vietnamese Army and the Vietcong 30th of April, 1975 The Vietnamese not only won the war, but they also won their freedom and independence