Vietnam Background Flashcards
In the 19th century who was Vietnam ruled by?
The french (began in 1860)
Who were formed during ww2?
A communist group called the Viet Minh who wanted Vietnam to be independent
The Japanese took control of much of the area until being forced out in 1945
What happened between 1946 and 1954?
The Viet Minh fought the french for independence
USA supported France as they feared that if Vietnam became independent communism would spread
What was the idea of communism spreading known as?
‘The Domino Theory’
What battle took place on the 8th of May in 1954?
Battle of Dien Bien Phu
What was the outcome of Dien Bien Phu?
The Viet Minh attacked but the french had underestimated them
After weeks of fighting the french were defeated and withdrew from Vietnam
The county was split in two north= communist
(Led by Ho Chi Minh)
South= anti communist government (Ngo Dinh Diem had formed republic of Vietnam)
Who were the NFL?
A political organisation (allied with the north)
Used guerrilla tactics
Became known as Vietcong
How did Kennedy increase involvement in Vietnam?
Gave military advice to french to help prevent spread of communism
Supported south Vietnams president ( Ngo Dinh Diem) by proving financial and political help
What was gulf of Tonkin incident?
1964 US ships were attacked by NV and this lead to war
Before ww2 where did France control?
Most of indochina (Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam)
When did Japan take over and leave Vietnam?
1940 (during ww2)
1945 (France wanted to take over again)
What happened when China became a communist country in 1949?
Communist influence grew in Vietnam and a nationalist leader ‘Ho Chi Minh’ declared Vietnam independent
A war between the ‘VietMinh’ and the French began
Who was Ho Chi Minh?
A communist who became president in 1945 (split)
Had started the Vietminh in 1941
Who were the Vietcong?
Communist Rebels that went to south Vietnam and were trained by north Vietnam
What happened between 1955 and 1960?
The north Vietnamese with the assistance of the southern communist Vietcong tried to take over south Vietnam government
1963 diem is overthrown and executed
Vietnamese wanted to take over the whole country
