in this context, an engagement is a fight or battle between armed forces

a protest is a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something

US involvement in Vietnam

History

In this unit, pupils studied the growing ideological conflict between communism and capitalism which led to the US involvement in Vietnam. In ‘USA: how did US policy towards Vietnam change?’ pupils will study how and why later US involvement went onto change in the 1960s and 1970s.

In ‘USA: how did the civil rights movement change after 1965?’ pupils studied the new organisations that emerged in the 1960s, and the reasons why some civil rights activists began to protest for other causes. In this unit, pupils will study the reasons why the USA became involved in the conflict in Vietnam in the context of the Cold War, another reason for protests in the 1960s.

In this unit, pupils analyse why the USA became involved in the conflict in Vietnam following the Second World War. They learn about the Cold War context to the USA's actions, and examine the events that led to increasing US involvement in the conflict.

USA: why was the USA involved in Vietnam?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

the US had been to war against France recently

the US had publicly stated that they wished to control French Indochina

the US didn't get involved in other countries' business after WW2

the US usually supported countries that tried to break away from colonial powers

Why can it be considered unexpected that the US supported the French in their effort to regain control of French Indochina?

Place the US presidents that were involved in Vietnam in the order in which they were in office.

Complete the sentence: Eisenhower's belief in the {{}} theory meant that he was willing to support Diem's corrupt government if it could prevent communism from spreading.

Which president authorised the use of napalm and Agent Orange in the Vietnam War?

Under Johnson, how many US troops were in Vietnam by 1968?

Complete the sentence: in the summer of 1967, 100 000 Vietnam War protesters took part in a demonstration dubbed the 'March to the ...'.

What does the 'S' stand for in Johnson's BEAST approach to the war in Vietnam?

Complete the sentence: Vietcong fighters were able to hide from US and ARVN troops in sophisticated {{}} systems.

a place of significant danger, activity or violence

What is meant by the term 'hotspot' in warfare?

Complete the sentence with the correct year: The Tet Offensive began on 31st January ...

Approximately how many US soldiers lost their lives during the Tet Offensive?

it made him so popular that he won the next election in a landslide

it led to Congress granting the president additional powers

it led to Congress removing some of the president's powers

it made him so unpopular that he decided not to stand for reelection 

How did the Tet Offensive affect President Johnson's political career?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz