Chapter 17 Test Review

What finally convinced the North Vietnamese to return to negotiations and sign the Paris Peace Accords?

Renewed American bombing in North Vietnam

Who were the hawks and the doves during the Vietnam War, and how did they lower morale?

The Doves were the anti-war Americans who outnumbered the Hawks sentiment The Hawks were for the war. These two groups were mostly students who organized protests, and in 1969

What event led to the fall of Saigon to communist forces?

The North launched an offensive against the South

Why did the Pentagon Papers increase antiwar sentiment?

It revealed American leaders were lying about actions in Vietnam

How did the domino theory influence United States foreign policy?

It suggested that the United States would need to support governments fighting communism

Why did the hawks support U.S. military efforts in Vietnam?

They believed that Vietnam was a crucial front in the Cold War

What was the goal of the Vietcong's military strategy?

They were very successful in taking control of much of the South Vietnamese countryside.

Why did President Truman agree to help France regain control over Vietnam?

To ensure French support in the Cold war

What was the goal of President Nixon's "Vietnamization" plan?

bringing an immediate negotiated end to the Vietnam War

How did the Vietnam War affect Americans attitudes towards foreign policy in the years after the war?

Many Americans became wary about sending troops abroad to avoid involvement in another Vietnam.

How did the Vietnam War affect President Johnson's plans?

compromised domestic reforms in favor of funding foreign efforts

Which of its usual foreign policies did the United States depart from in its decision to support the French in Indochina?

decolonization

To what did the "credibility gap" refer?

public skepticism about the Johnson administration's statements and policies on the Vietnam War

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 defense spending for the Vietnam War affect the U.S. economy?

It led to rising prices and inflation

Which military strategy did William Westmoreland advocate?

Increasing U.S. military involvement in Vietnam

Did President Nixon's invasion of Cambodia achieve its goal?

No, it did not force North Vietnam to give in to American demands.

The Tet Offensive was a strategic blow to the U.S. military because

the communists had not lost the will to fight

Critics of the Selective Service System were concerned that

the draft was not fair

Why did the United States become involved in the Vietnam War?

to prevent the spread of communism