Key Events and Figures of the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War, the longest in US history, was a Cold War-era conflict aimed at preventing the spread of communism. It began with Vietnam's division in 1954 and escalated with US involvement following the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Despite significant military efforts, including Operation Rolling Thunder, public opinion in the US soured, especially after the Tet Offensive. President Nixon's Vietnamization policy led to the withdrawal of US troops, culminating in the Paris Peace Accords. The war ended in 1975 with the fall of Saigon and the establishment of communist governments in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

Who was the leader of North Vietnam?

• Richard Nixon

• Ngo Dinh Diem

• Lyndon B. Johnson

• Ho Chi Minh

What was the primary goal of the United States in the Vietnam War?

• To promote democracy in Southeast Asia

• To prevent the spread of communism

• To support French colonial claims

• To gain territorial control

What was the Vietcong's primary strategy in the South?

• Aerial bombing

• Conventional warfare

• Guerrilla warfare

• Naval blockades

What event led to the increased US military involvement in Vietnam?

• The Tet Offensive

• The execution of Ngo Dinh Diem

• The fall of Saigon

• The Gulf of Tonkin Incident

What was Operation Rolling Thunder?

• A ground offensive by South Vietnamese forces

• A naval blockade of North Vietnam

• An aerial bombing campaign against North Vietnam

• A covert operation to overthrow Ho Chi Minh

What was the main effect of the Tet Offensive on the US?

• It increased US public support for the war

• It resulted in the withdrawal of US troops

• It demonstrated the strength of the Vietcong and North Vietnamese

• It led to a quick victory for the US

What policy did President Nixon introduce to end US involvement in Vietnam?

• Detente

• Rollback

• Vietnamization

• Containment

Which event directly led to widespread peace protests in the US?

• The signing of the Paris Peace Accords

• The Tet Offensive

• The Kent State shootings

• The My Lai Massacre

What was the outcome of the Paris Peace Accords?

• The unification of Vietnam under communist rule

• The continuation of the war without US involvement

• A ceasefire and the release of American POWs

• The establishment of a democratic government in South Vietnam

When did Saigon fall, marking the end of the Vietnam War?

• January 27, 1973

• April 30, 1975

• March 29, 1973

• April 30, 1970