conflict and tension in asia history

• What are the three main parts of the war in Asia course?

  • The Korean War
  • The conflict in Vietnam from 1945 to 1968
  • The Vietnam War from 1968 to 1975
• What are the three big questions to consider for the Korean War?

  Causes, events, and consequences
• Why is the Korean War significant in the context of the Cold War?

  It reflects the rivalry between capitalism and communism
• What event led to the division of Korea?

  The end of World War II
• What was the impact of China's communist revolution in 1949 on Korea?

  It increased American fears of communism spreading
• What was Kim Il-sung's intention in invading South Korea in 1950?

  To unite Korea under his leadership
• When did North Korea invade South Korea?

  June 1950
• What was the initial outcome of the North Korean invasion?

  North pushed South to the southeast corner
• How did the United States respond to the North Korean invasion?

  They sought UN support to defend South Korea
• Why was the UN able to support South Korea during the war?

  The Soviet Union was boycotting the Security Council
• What was the significance of the Inchon landing?

  It turned the tide of the war in favor of the UN
• What was the result of Chinese intervention in the Korean War?

  It pushed UN forces back towards the border
• What characterized the Korean War after the initial invasions?

  It resulted in a stalemate with heavy fighting
• When was the ceasefire agreement signed for the Korean War?

  1953
• What were some consequences of the Korean War?

  Loss of life, destruction, and division of Korea
• How did the Korean War affect the Cold War dynamics?

  It deepened the Cold War and arms race
• What are the key questions to consider for Vietnam from 1945 to 1968?

  1. How did French rule lead to civil war?
  2. How did American involvement change?
  3. How did communist forces fight?
  4. What were the key turning points?
• What was the significance of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu?

  It ended French colonial rule in Vietnam
• What incident escalated American involvement in Vietnam?

  The Gulf of Tonkin incident
• What did the Tet Offensive reveal to the American public?

  That the US was not winning the war
• What was the My Lai Massacre?

  A massacre of Vietnamese civilians by US troops
• How did French colonial rule contribute to civil war in Vietnam?

  It led to resentment and desire for independence
• Why did the Geneva Agreement fail to unify Vietnam?

  Neither leader was satisfied with the division
• What role did the US play in supporting South Vietnam's government?

  They provided money and military supplies
• Who was the leader of North Vietnam?

  Ho Chi Minh
• What was the strategic Hamlet program?

  A program to relocate peasants for security
• How did the assassination of Kennedy affect US involvement in Vietnam?

  It led to increased military presence under Johnson
• What were the tactics used by the Viet Minh against the French?

  • Guerrilla warfare
  • Hit-and-run tactics
  • Effective use of the environment
• What were the consequences of the Vietnam War up to 1968?

  • Increased US military involvement
  • Growing public opposition to the war
  • Significant casualties and destruction
• Who supports DM's government with military supplies?

  American government
• What is DM accused of regarding elections?

  Falsifying or rigging elections
• What program does Kennedy support that affects peasants?

  Strategic Hamlet program
• How does the Strategic Hamlet program impact DM's popularity?

  It makes him more unpopular
• Who becomes president after Kennedy's assassination?

  Lyndon Baines Johnson
• What does Johnson need to appear tough on to win the election?

  Communism
• What action does Johnson take to provoke North Vietnam?

  Send American ships into their waters
• What incident provides justification for war under Johnson?

  Gulf of Tonkin incident
• What military operation begins under Johnson's presidency?

  Operation Rolling Thunder
• What tactics do the Viet Cong use against American forces?

  Guerrilla tactics
• How do the Viet Cong compensate for their inferior weaponry?

  Using surprise and environment