ush topic 10
Why did the United States ultimately decide to support the French rather than Ho Chi Minh's forces in the Indochina War?
The U.S. wanted to stop the spread of communism in Asia.
During the Vietnam War, what contributed to low morale among US troops and on the home front?
Lack of progress and doubts about the wisdom of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
What best describes the main difference between many American troops stationed in Vietnam before 1965 and those stationed there after that date?
Many troops stationed there before 1965 were volunteers, while many of those after were drafted into the service.
What feature on the map best explains why the United States was unwilling to commit to a full-scale ground war in North Vietnam?
country's close proximity to China
This image of students on the steps of the Pentagon is associated with
disagreement with registering for the draft.
What measure did the Selective Service System take to address these criticisms of the draft in 1969?
A "lottery" was implemented, in which recruits were picked at random
Which of the following factors did NOT contribute to the challenges American troops faced in Vietnam?
Air superiority
Why did South Vietnam fall to the communists after the Paris Peace accords?
American forces withdrew but fighting continued until Saigon fell to the communists.
Why did it take some time before the provision lowering the voting age would apply nationwide?
An amendment requires ratification by individual states.
What does the text above tell us about President Johnson's political standing in 1968? By 1968, Johnson had difficulty maintaining the support of his own party.
By 1968, Johnson had difficulty maintaining the support of his own party.
Enacted following the end of the Vietnam War, the War Powers Resolution (also known as the War Powers Act) can be seen as Congress' attempt to undo what previous piece of legislation? The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Which of these best describes the "Americanization" strategy recommended by Robert McNamara and William Westmoreland?
Having American forces take on a more active role in the Vietnam war
What was President Kennedy's response to the perceived "missile gap" between the U.S. and Soviet Union?
He adopted a "flexible response" policy to prepare the military for any type of conflict.
What did Ho Chi Minh believe this strategy would ultimately accomplish against the American military?
He believed that if the North Vietnamese wore the American forces down enough they would eventually leave.
What point is President Eisenhower making here with his domino analogy?
If Vietnam were to fall to the Communists, it would only be a matter of time until it's neighbors followed suit.
How did the War Powers Act of 1973 affect the President's ability to conduct military operations?
It forced him to consult with Congress before ordering any military strikes.
Why was the Selective Service System criticized as another example of social injustice?
It resulted in recruitment of people from poor or working-class backgrounds.
What impact did George Wallace's third-party candidacy have on the 1968 presidential election?
It siphoned votes from Humphrey's candidacy, allowing Nixon to win.
What best describes the statement this cartoon is making about the war in Vietnam?
It suggests that the Vietnam War is destroying President Johnson's presidency.
How was the 1972 presidential election most like the 1968 election?
Nixon used promises to end the war to his advantage.
What impact did defense spending for the Vietnam War have on education in the U.S.?
Paying for the war affected education spending.
How did U.S. policy in Vietnam change following the Tet Offensive?
Policy makers thought the war unwinnable and began to negotiate for peace.
Which of the following presidents did NOT contribute to the American involvement in Vietnam through his adherence to containment policy?
Richard Nixon
What strategy did President Johnson's advisors Robert McNamara and General Westmoreland insist was necessary to winning the war in Vietnam?
committing more troops and taking a more active role in combat activities
How did the President's ability to conduct military operations change following the end of war in Vietnam?
The War Powers Act forced the President to consult with Congress before all military actions.
The violence that erupted outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968 and the confusion inside gave the impression that
The nation was in disorder and the Democrats had lost control.
Lyndon Johnson's decision not to seek re-election in 1968 underscored what fact about his presidency?
The war in Vietnam had jeopardized his reelection chances.
What objective did American military leaders hope to achieve in North Vietnam with military campaigns such as Operation Rolling Thunder?
They believed that the strikes would lower the enemy's morale and drive the North Vietnamese to negotiate a peace treaty.
In what way was the United States' decision to support the French in Indochina a departure from its usual foreign policy?
US was generally in favor of decolonization
Which of these factors most likely cost Humphrey the election in 1968?
his refusal to deny President Johnson on the Vietnam War
How was the Peace Corps different from other foreign aid initiatives such as the Alliance for Progress?
its emphasis on public service and volunteering
Fulbright's hearings on Vietnam showed how
television was shaping the public's opinion
What military strategy did President Nixon employ in Vietnam early on in his presidency?
the "Vietnamization" of combat operations
The battle at Dien Bien Phu showed that
the French could no longer hold on to Vietnam.
Why did Secretary of State Rusk likely insist that the reporter remember, when reporting the story, that the Soviets "blinked first"?
to bolster Kennedy's reputation as a strong and resolute leader
The term "Third World" was originally coined to refer to countries that
were aligned with neither the US or China