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Darbi Cory
20/02/2023
History
history asia: US loss
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20 Feb 2023
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Sneaky Tricks in the Vietnam War: How the Tet Offensive Surprised Everyone
Darbi Cory
@darbicory
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US Weaknesses in the Vietnam War
The United States faced several challenges that hindered its effectiveness in the Vietnam War. These weaknesses ultimately contributed to the war's outcome.
One significant issue was the inexperience of US troops. The average age of soldiers was very young, and many had never been to war before. The US military's policy of rotating troops after only a year further exacerbated this problem, as experienced soldiers were constantly being replaced by newcomers.
Highlight: The US military's troop rotation policy led to a continuous cycle of inexperienced soldiers entering the conflict.
The US employed various strategies in an attempt to gain an advantage. Operation Rolling Thunder, launched in February 1965, was an enormous bombing campaign targeting North Vietnamese cities, army bases, and camps. However, this approach proved less effective than anticipated.
Vocabulary: Operation Rolling Thunder - A massive US bombing campaign launched in 1965 against North Vietnam.
Search and destroy missions were another tactic used by US forces. These operations involved searching villages for Vietcong presence and destroying suspected enemy locations. Unfortunately, this often resulted in mistaking innocent civilians for enemy combatants, leading to unnecessary destruction and civilian casualties.
The use of chemical warfare was a controversial aspect of US strategy. American forces targeted supply routes with chemical weapons, including highly toxic weed killers and defoliants. While these tactics disrupted Vietcong supply lines, they also had devastating long-term effects on the environment and civilian population.
Definition: Chemical warfare - The use of toxic chemicals to harm or kill enemy forces, often with severe collateral damage to civilians and the environment.
The Impact of the Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive marked a turning point in the Vietnam War, significantly impacting US public opinion and political landscape. This large-scale coordinated attack by the Vietcong exposed vulnerabilities in the US military strategy and contradicted official claims of imminent victory.
Highlight: The Tet Offensive revealed that despite significant US investment in money and lives, the Vietcong were still capable of launching major attacks, even in Saigon.
The aftermath of the Tet Offensive saw a dramatic increase in anti-war sentiment within the United States. Public protests against the war grew in scale and intensity, with people burning draft cards and returning military medals in opposition to the conflict.
Example: In 1967, 100,000 people marched to Washington D.C. to protest the war. Two years later, following the My Lai massacre, the number of protesters swelled to 700,000, making it the largest protest in US history at the time.
The anti-war movement gained support from prominent public figures, including Muhammad Ali and various musicians who wrote protest songs. These voices helped to galvanize public opinion against the war.
Racial inequality became a significant issue, as many people of color were sent to fight in the war. This disparity fueled further opposition to the conflict and highlighted broader social issues within the United States.
Quote: "Racial inequality was significant because they sent people of colour to kill other people of colour."
The financial cost of the war also became a point of contention, with the US spending an estimated $66 million per day on the conflict. This enormous expenditure, combined with the lack of clear progress, further eroded public support for the war effort.
The impact of the Tet Offensive and the subsequent growth of the anti-war movement had far-reaching political consequences. President Lyndon B. Johnson, facing mounting criticism, decided not to run for re-election, signaling a shift in US policy towards the war.
Vietcong Strengths and Tactics
The Vietcong employed several effective strategies that contributed to their success in the Vietnam War. Their guerrilla tactics were particularly challenging for US forces to counter.
Highlight: The Vietcong's guerrilla tactics made it difficult to distinguish fighters from civilians, giving them a significant advantage.
The Vietcong operated in small, well-armed groups following basic principles of guerrilla warfare. They would retreat when the enemy attacked, attack when the enemy retreated, and raid enemy camps during retreats. This flexibility made them a formidable opponent.
The Ho Chi Minh trail played a crucial role in supplying the Vietcong. This complex network of paths stretched from North Vietnam through Laos and Cambodia to Saigon, allowing for the transport of supplies and personnel.
Example: The Ho Chi Minh trail facilitated the movement of 60 tons of supplies per day, despite the harsh conditions that claimed the lives of 10% of those who traveled it.
The Vietcong's "hanging on American belts" tactic involved working in small groups with limited weapons. After attacking, they would quickly disappear into the jungle, making it difficult for US forces to retaliate without risking harm to their own troops.
Violence and propaganda were also key elements of the Vietcong's strategy. They used terror tactics to maintain control over villages while also employing propaganda to boost morale and portray their cause as a unified national effort.
Quote: "Between 1966-1971 the VC killed 21,000 civilians but relied on support from villages - they used terror tactics to assure they did what they wanted."
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Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sneaky Tricks in the Vietnam War: How the Tet Offensive Surprised Everyone
Darbi Cory
@darbicory
The Vietnam War was a complex conflict marked by guerrilla warfare and significant US challenges. The Vietcong's effective tactics and the US military's weaknesses contributed to the war's outcome. Key factors include:
- Guerrilla tactics Vietnam Warproved highly effective for... Show more
US Weaknesses in the Vietnam War
The United States faced several challenges that hindered its effectiveness in the Vietnam War. These weaknesses ultimately contributed to the war's outcome.
One significant issue was the inexperience of US troops. The average age of soldiers was very young, and many had never been to war before. The US military's policy of rotating troops after only a year further exacerbated this problem, as experienced soldiers were constantly being replaced by newcomers.
Highlight: The US military's troop rotation policy led to a continuous cycle of inexperienced soldiers entering the conflict.
The US employed various strategies in an attempt to gain an advantage. Operation Rolling Thunder, launched in February 1965, was an enormous bombing campaign targeting North Vietnamese cities, army bases, and camps. However, this approach proved less effective than anticipated.
Vocabulary: Operation Rolling Thunder - A massive US bombing campaign launched in 1965 against North Vietnam.
Search and destroy missions were another tactic used by US forces. These operations involved searching villages for Vietcong presence and destroying suspected enemy locations. Unfortunately, this often resulted in mistaking innocent civilians for enemy combatants, leading to unnecessary destruction and civilian casualties.
The use of chemical warfare was a controversial aspect of US strategy. American forces targeted supply routes with chemical weapons, including highly toxic weed killers and defoliants. While these tactics disrupted Vietcong supply lines, they also had devastating long-term effects on the environment and civilian population.
Definition: Chemical warfare - The use of toxic chemicals to harm or kill enemy forces, often with severe collateral damage to civilians and the environment.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Impact of the Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive marked a turning point in the Vietnam War, significantly impacting US public opinion and political landscape. This large-scale coordinated attack by the Vietcong exposed vulnerabilities in the US military strategy and contradicted official claims of imminent victory.
Highlight: The Tet Offensive revealed that despite significant US investment in money and lives, the Vietcong were still capable of launching major attacks, even in Saigon.
The aftermath of the Tet Offensive saw a dramatic increase in anti-war sentiment within the United States. Public protests against the war grew in scale and intensity, with people burning draft cards and returning military medals in opposition to the conflict.
Example: In 1967, 100,000 people marched to Washington D.C. to protest the war. Two years later, following the My Lai massacre, the number of protesters swelled to 700,000, making it the largest protest in US history at the time.
The anti-war movement gained support from prominent public figures, including Muhammad Ali and various musicians who wrote protest songs. These voices helped to galvanize public opinion against the war.
Racial inequality became a significant issue, as many people of color were sent to fight in the war. This disparity fueled further opposition to the conflict and highlighted broader social issues within the United States.
Quote: "Racial inequality was significant because they sent people of colour to kill other people of colour."
The financial cost of the war also became a point of contention, with the US spending an estimated $66 million per day on the conflict. This enormous expenditure, combined with the lack of clear progress, further eroded public support for the war effort.
The impact of the Tet Offensive and the subsequent growth of the anti-war movement had far-reaching political consequences. President Lyndon B. Johnson, facing mounting criticism, decided not to run for re-election, signaling a shift in US policy towards the war.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Vietcong Strengths and Tactics
The Vietcong employed several effective strategies that contributed to their success in the Vietnam War. Their guerrilla tactics were particularly challenging for US forces to counter.
Highlight: The Vietcong's guerrilla tactics made it difficult to distinguish fighters from civilians, giving them a significant advantage.
The Vietcong operated in small, well-armed groups following basic principles of guerrilla warfare. They would retreat when the enemy attacked, attack when the enemy retreated, and raid enemy camps during retreats. This flexibility made them a formidable opponent.
The Ho Chi Minh trail played a crucial role in supplying the Vietcong. This complex network of paths stretched from North Vietnam through Laos and Cambodia to Saigon, allowing for the transport of supplies and personnel.
Example: The Ho Chi Minh trail facilitated the movement of 60 tons of supplies per day, despite the harsh conditions that claimed the lives of 10% of those who traveled it.
The Vietcong's "hanging on American belts" tactic involved working in small groups with limited weapons. After attacking, they would quickly disappear into the jungle, making it difficult for US forces to retaliate without risking harm to their own troops.
Violence and propaganda were also key elements of the Vietcong's strategy. They used terror tactics to maintain control over villages while also employing propaganda to boost morale and portray their cause as a unified national effort.
Quote: "Between 1966-1971 the VC killed 21,000 civilians but relied on support from villages - they used terror tactics to assure they did what they wanted."
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user