Reasons for the failure of the USA in Vietnam Flashcards

All 7 cards in this deck

What was the Ho Chi Minh Trail and why was it a strength for North Vietnam?

A supply route through Laos and Cambodia to the South; bombing could not cut it because the trail was repaired or alternative routes found.

How did Russian and Chinese support help North Vietnam resist the USA?

Their supplies limited the effect of US bombing of industrial areas, and the USA could not target that aid in case the war escalated.

Why did Vietcong guerrilla tactics make US failure more likely?

Booby traps, tunnels and ambushes kept combat small-scale, preventing the Americans using their superior technology.

Give one weakness of the US armed forces in Vietnam.

Poor discipline and drug use weakened soldiers' effectiveness; desertions and 'fragging' of officers also occurred.

How did the 12-month 'tour of duty' weaken US forces?

Many soldiers 'counted the days' until they could go home, which weakened their commitment to the fighting.

Why did US tactics such as Agent Orange, Strategic Hamlets and Search and Destroy contribute to failure?

They antagonised the South Vietnamese peasants, so the USA failed to win 'hearts and minds' and people supported the Vietcong.

How did opposition at home affect the US war effort in Vietnam?

It made it difficult for politicians to justify funding the war and pressured Johnson to begin peace negotiations.