3.3.3 Vietnam War: escalation and impact

• What was the Gulf of Tonkin incident?

  A turning point for US escalation in Vietnam
• Why is the second attack during the Gulf of Tonkin incident significant?

  It was likely a false flag operation
• What resolution led to the rapid increase of US troop deployments?

  Tonkin Resolution
• What happened to Lt Tu at the end of the engagement?

  Lt Tu Killed
• What were the key changes in the course of the boats during the engagement?

  • 1558 H: Course changed to 150°
  • 1617 H: Course changed to 110° to avoid torpedoes
• How did President Johnson use the Tonkin Resolution?

  To justify America's full-scale involvement in Vietnam
• How many torpedoes were fired during the engagement?

  2
• What was the impact of the Tonkin Resolution?

  It justified deploying hundreds of thousands of troops
• What is the date of the US troop deployment data shown in the map?

  September 30, 2021
• What was the main strategy of the US military intervention in Vietnam?

  To contain communism through military action
• How was Vietnam divided before 1965?

  Into North and South Vietnam
• What do the different colors on the map represent in terms of the number of US troops deployed?

  • Black: Over 100,000 troops
  • Red: Over 10,000 troops
  • Orange: Over 1,000 troops
  • Yellow: Number of troops secret due to security reasons
  • Green: US troops guarding Embassy
  • Gray: No US presence
• Which country on the map has the highest number of US troops deployed?

  Japan
• What were the key events and impacts of the Gulf of Tonkin incident?

  • Aug 2: First reported North Vietnamese attack
  • Impact: Minor damage
  • Aug 4: Second alleged attack
  • Impact: Basis for Tonkin Resolution
  • Aug 7: Tonkin Resolution passed
  • Impact: US authorization for military force
• How many US troops were stationed in Vietnam by 1968?

  Over 500,000
• What was the purpose of the division of Vietnam in 1954?

  To establish a non-communist South Vietnam
• What is the policy called that justified US involvement in Vietnam?

  Domino theory
• What was the effect of diverting resources from the Great Society programs?

  It led to underfunded social programs
• What role did military advisors play in Vietnam before 1965?

  To train and assist South Vietnamese forces
• What are the key events that occurred during this engagement?

  • T-336 boats return to coastal waters
  • 3 warning shots fired at 1605 H
  • VF-51 and VF-53 aircraft attack boats
  • MADDOX opens fire at 1608 H
  • T-339 observed dead in the water and burning
  • Course changed to 110° to avoid torpedoes at 1617 H
  • Boat hit at 1616 H
  • 2 torpedoes fired
  • Shell hits MADDOX
• What is the course change to 110° made by the boats to avoid torpedoes?

  1617 H
• What are the key details about the aircraft involved in the engagement?

  • 1628 H: VF-51 aircraft attack boats
  • 1628 H: VF-53 aircraft attack boat
• What was the reason for US involvement in the French Indochina War?

  To help France and stop communist Viet Minh
• Why did the British forces bypass the front-line and reach the small town of Villers-Bocage during Operation Perch?

  To exploit a gap in the German defenses to the west of the city
• What was the primary reason for US involvement in Vietnam before 1965?

  To prevent communism from spreading in Southeast Asia
• What caused the erosion of trust in government during the Vietnam War?

  Perceived dishonesty about war objectives
• What is the course change to 150° made by the T-333 boat?

  1558 H
• What was the political alignment of North Vietnam before 1965?

  North Vietnam was communist and supported by China
• How did the US military conduct operations during the Vietnam War?

  They used search and destroy missions extensively
• What were the political impacts of the Vietnam War?

  • Erosion of trust in government
  • Undermining of Great Society programs
  • Political division between "hawks" and "doves"
  • Increased protests and activism
  • War Powers Resolution (1973) limiting presidential power
• What was the date of the Battle of Villers-Bocage?

  13 June 1944
• What can you infer about the US military presence and strategy based on the information provided in the map?

  • The US has a significant military presence in certain regions, particularly North America, Europe, and East Asia
  • The US appears to have a more limited presence in parts of Africa, South America, and Central Asia
  • The map suggests the US is focused on maintaining security and influence in key strategic regions around the world
• What event in 1968 horrified the public and fueled anti-war sentiments?

  My Lai Massacre
• What was the political alignment of South Vietnam before 1965?

  South Vietnam was pro-Western and backed by the US
• What did the rising anti-war movement lead to in terms of government action?

  Increased pressure to seek a peaceful resolution
• What was the primary region for US troop deployments after the Tonkin Resolution?

  Southeast Asia
• How did the function of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) differ from a transmission electron microscope (TEM)?

  TEMs produce 2D images, while SEMs produce 3D images
• What did the War Powers Resolution (1973) limit?

  The president's ability to deploy troops
• What were the key events leading to US involvement in Vietnam before 1965?

  • French Indochina War: Help France, stop Viet Minh
  • Division of Vietnam (1954): Establish non-communist South Vietnam
  • Military Advisors: Train and assist South Vietnamese forces
• What sharp divisions emerged during the Vietnam War?

  Divisions between "hawks" and "doves"