America Enters the Vietnam Conflict

1. What European country controlled (ruled) Vietnam before, during and immediately following World War II?      
   Before, during and immediately following World War Two France controlled Vietnam.


2. Who led the Viet Minh (anti-Japanese resistance group)?       
 Ho Chi Minh led the Viet Minh.



3. Which country helped France keep Vietnam and why?       
   America attempted to help France keep Vietnam because they saw the Viet Minh as the puppets of Mao and the Chinese communists.



4. What is the Domino Theory?       
  The Domino Theory was that if Vietnam fell to communism then Loas, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma and possibly even India might all fall to communism. 



5. In 1955 the United States installed this man as the leader of the Republic of South Vietnam. Who was he and why was he placed into power?           
 In 1955 the United States installed Ngo Dinh Diem as the leader of the Republic of South Vietnam because bitterly anti-communist and was prepared to imprison or exile communists. 




6. What was the Ho Chi Minh Trail? How was it used?           
  The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a trail that the Viet Cong used to send reinforcements and ferried supplies to guerrilla fighters. 



7. What was the Tonkin Gulf Resolution? What powers did it give President Johnson? 
 The Tonkin Gulf Resolution was a resolution that the US congress passed giving Lyndon Jackson the power to take all necessary measures to prevent further aggression and achieve peace and security. Also it meant that he could take the USA into a full-scale war if he felt that it was necessary.



8. Look at the timeline on page 256. Why is 1965 considered a "turning point" year for American involvement in Vietnam?               
  1965 is considered a "turning point" for American involvement in Vietnam because it was when the first American combat troops came ashore at Da Nang also there was a major Viet Cong offensive and the Battle in La Dreng valley were communists suffered a heavy loss.
 


9. Why, according to Source 3 on page 255, were U.S. troops put into a difficult position in Vietnam?        
 According to Source 3; U.S troops were put into a difficult position in Vietnam because many officials were pocketing the money that was meant for seed fertiliser and irrigation as well as medical care, education and other social benefits.