My Lai Massacre

One key feature of the My Lai Massacre was the sheer violence incited. With 3 platoons of soldiers
arriving on 9 helicopters, their order had been to destroy all land, pollute the water sources, and kill
any livestock (such as pigs or chickens). To rid the area of any VC, these troops also brutally murdered
300 men, women and children- or, the entirety of the village. Under Calley, these were the orders
given, exemplifying a lack of human empathy.

Another key feature of the Massacre was that it helped galvanise public opinion on the war. Though
the events only came to light 18 months after it had occurred, reports by media personnel such as
Walter Cronkite shocked Americans who had believed that the war was simply about containing the
threat of Communism. As a result, the anti-war movement gained reaction, and the pressure felt led
to policies like Vietnamisation being passed.

Fall of Diem

One key feature of the fall of Diem was his attempt to retain support. After the self-immolation of
Thich Van Duc had reached international headlines in June 1963, American support for the President
dwindled, with JFK even criticising how he handled current affairs. Thus, to prevent any funding from
being pulled any further- as the USA had threatened to retreat from the nation- the regime began
attempting to keep the death tolls low, and punished any officials who attacked civilians. This
attempt to ‘clean up’ South Vietnam’s image can therefore be considered a key feature.

Another key feature of the fall of Diem was his assassination. Even with his methods of keeping
popularity, it became increasingly evident that both funding and military advisors would be pulled
from the nation due to the corrupt foundation on which Diem’s rule was built. Thus, as ARVN
generals, with the support of US officers, executed Diem in 1963, a new rule/era for South Vietnam
was allowed to commence- making this a key feature.

The formation of South Vietnam (SV)

One key feature of the formation of SV was the way power was gained through corruption. Not only
did Diem overthrow the puppet leader Bao Dai, but in the 1955 State Referendum, he gained 133%
of the vote in Saigon- even though less than 50% of its population was able to vote. Nationwide, he
won with a landslide victory of 98%, and this laid a highly corrupt, and broken foundation for his rule.

Another key feature of SV’s formation was the alienation of general society. Even though 96% of the
nation’s population was Buddhist, Diem introduced a number of anti-Buddhist policies such as the
banning of public worship on the Buddha’s birthday- and Diem also gave many high-ranking jobs to
underqualified Catholics over experienced Buddhists. Land reforms also never took place, and
instead $2.7 million from public spending was pocketed by Diem and his acolytes- decreasing the
peasant quality of life.

The renewed North Vietnamese Offensive (NV)

One key feature of the renewed NV Offensive was its aims. The Nguyen Hue Offensive not only tried
to prove NV’s power/ability to the rest of the Communist world, but it aimed to capitalise on
America’s anti-war sentiment, in addition to gaining as much Southern land as possible in
preparation for the Paris Peace Talks and Accords. Over 120,000 troops and 1200 armoured vehicles/
tanks were engaged in this objective, and as a result, makes this a key feature.

Another key feature of the offensive was that it triggered a response of increased American
bombing. Through Operation Linebacker, and the 1972 Christmas bombing, roads, and industrial
areas which supported the North’s war effort were destroyed. Over 25,000 tonnes of bombs were
dropped over Haiphong, and Hanoi during this time, and thus, caused the North to surrender. Thus,
as the Americans had achieved their aims of reaching peace talks, this is a key feature.

Ford’s diplomatic response

One key feature of Ford’s diplomatic response was the refusal of additional, American aid. After
inheriting a broken foreign affairs unit from Nixon, Ford was refused a request of 250,000 additional
troops, and a budget of USD$20 million in funding to aid the struggling ARVN forces. Not only that,
but Congress also revoked any Presidential powers to do with the war as per the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin
Resolution. Ford could no longer ‘take all necessary measures’ to protect US interests against armed
attacks- making this a key feature.

Another key feature of Ford’s response was the eventual capture of Saigon. As no more American aid
was allowed to pass through to SV, ARVN was slowly weakening, and in the weeks prior to April 30th
1975, Thieu had ordered his men to retreat to coastal cities- leaving Saigon relatively unguarded. This
made for an easy capture, and thus, as Northern tanks began to circle the Presidential Palace, the
South was forced to surrender.

The final offensive

One key feature of the final offensive was that it made significant gains for the Northern forces.
Through the spring of 1975, the North advanced on a myriad of cities in the South, such as Hue and
Danang, which severely weakened both the leadership and military of the South. With the Americans
leaving, Saigon was surrounded, and the Presidential palace was seized- making this a key feature.

Another key feature of the final offensive was that it highlighted America’s failure. The Vietnam war
is widely remembered as the first war where the initial aims of the military were not achieved, and
though the policy of Vietnamisation had been received well, it posed many issues for the
Vietnamese- including an inability to operate the provided armoury. The ARVN struggled to defend
Southern land, and thus, this contributed to the Capitalist fall.

Jungle war for America

One key feature of the jungle war for the Americans was the use of herbicides. Both Agent Blue and
Agent Orange were utilised under the scheme of ‘Operation Ranch Hand’, which aimed to clear large
swathes of jungle to easily identify VC hideouts. From 1962 to 1971, the US military sprayed nearly
19 million gallons of herbicide on the nation, permanently destroying 12km2 of jungle. Thus, this can
be considered a key feature.

Another key feature of this was their ineffective tactics. It could be said that the Americans were
working against the landscape, rather than with. Unlike the VC, troops used over 12,000 helicopters
and this costly tactic was heightened by their inaccurate bombings as it cost $400,000 or 75 bombs
and 400 artillery shells to kill just one VC fighter. Thus, this contributed to an amounting cost, and
overall US defeat.

Jungle war for VC

One key feature of the jungle war for the VC was the use of booby traps. Unlike the Americans, the
NLF worked with the environment of Vietnam to injure, and hinder the enemy’s operation. Placed in
inconspicuous locations on jungle paths, traps like the Bouncing Betty or Punji Sticks aimed to injure
soldiers, and by 1973, they had accounted for 11% of all US deaths and 13% of all injuries. Thus, this
can be considered a key feature.

Another key feature of this was the use of tunnels. The highly covert, and secretive way of
transporting men, goods, and weapons throughout the South was very effective as Americans could
not detect where VC fighters were. The tunnels also protected men and goods from destruction by
an estimated 32%. By the end of 1975, the tunnels had grown to over 250 km long- equipped with
hospitals, kitchens and living quarters.

Battle of Hue

One key feature of the Battle of Hue (1968) was the sheer violence incited. The diversionary tactics
used had allowed for an undetected build up of Communists in the city, amounting to nearly 10,000
Northern fighters. This led to massive bloodshed on the first day of battle, which injured nearly 2% of
the city’s 140,000 strong population. 5000 PAVN and VC members were killed in total, and over
10,000 civilians were left injured, or displaced. The brutality exemplified therefore makes this a key
feature.

Another key feature would be the fact that new warfare methods were introduced from either side.
The North had previously never engaged its forces in face-to-face battle, and the US/ARVN forces had
received new orders to release tear-gas, whilst commanding heavy artillery. These changes therefore
led to an even more violent campaign with firepower doubling.

Battle of Khe Sanh

One key feature of the Battle of Khe Sanh was that it was a Northern diversionary tactic. With the 77
day battle acting as a distraction to the Tet Offensive, and wearing the US and ARVN forces in terms
of men and equipment, communist buildups in cities like Danang went virtually undetected. Media
outlets focussed their attention on Khe Sanh, and this convinced Johnson to solely target the area,
making the overall offensive more successful.
Another key feature of the battle was that it triggered a change in the war’s leadership. Through his
policy of attrition, Westmoreland had been given many of the liaison roles between the US military
and Congress- regularly securing funding of up to USD 50 million. However, by stockpiling over 6000
soldiers and 4000 rounds of ammunition rather than deploying them to help the effort,
Westmoreland effectively cost the Americans leverage in other Vietnamese areas- leading to his
replacement.

Ho Chi Minh’s policies

One key feature of HCM’s policies to unite Vietnam was the creation of the successful Vietminh.
Established in 1941, the ‘League for the Independence of Vietnam’ was a coalition of Vietnamese
peasants who shared nationalistic aims. Though not all members were Communist, they were united
under the shared goal of bringing domestic rule back to Vietnam, and under Giap, guerilla tactics
(like ‘hit and run’) were used alongside befriending peasants. Thus, their success caused the French
and Japanese defeat.

Another key feature of this was that the policies did not receive the intended support. Though the
Americans did provide aid to anti-colonialist rule, HCM was a communist, and with the Cold War
beginning, the Americans sided with the French. Thus, the announcement of an independent
Vietnam in 1945 was met with much discontent, and tension.

Paris Peace Talks

One key feature of the peace talks was that they were incredibly lengthy. It took 5 years to secure a
meeting which was agreed by both sides, and even then, the politicians would regularly call the
demands made ‘old wine in new bottles’. The SV were also very particular about these meetings as
they firstly did not want the VC present, and as the USA has elected a new President, their overall
aims had switched to leaving the nation. This confusion, and lack of cooperation from all parties
meant that tensions were high, and constant stalemates delayed detente.

Another key feature of this was that the talks eventually achieved detente. America’s relations,
through the Cold War, had improved with the East as both Kissinger and Nixon had previously agreed
to the Test Ban Treaty 8 years prior. Simultaneously, diplomats had also improved relations with
China, and with the internal communist conflicts, America could be sure that more backing would be
given to their demands- making peace more likely.

Initial peace talks

One key feature of initial peace talks was the lack of NV cooperation. The search for agreements
began as early as 1966, however, the Northern demands of the Americans leaving their land and
later, ceasing bombing campaigns (Operation Rolling Thunder) meant that they were pushed back
several years. However, as the Americans became increasingly desperate for a way out in 1968,
Johnson agreed to preliminary terms, making this a key feature.
Another key feature of this was the breach of agreements by the North. Though Johnson had stated
that neither side should use the halt to benefit themselves, the North launched the Tet Offensive just
2 weeks later- killing over 45,000 civilians, troops and advisors. As a result, tensions rose
dramatically.

Widening the war into Cambodia

One key feature of widening the war into Cambodia was the referral to the Truman Doctrine and
Marshall Plan. The North had allied with neighbouring Cambodia and Laos, leading to the provision
of equipment and supplies via the Ho Chi Minh Trail which had grown to pass through the nations.
This need to drive forces out of these sanctuaries was justified by SV trying to defend themselves
against Communist threats, and thus, over $3.1 billion was pumped into this ‘secret war’.

Another key feature of this was that the war was left unannounced to Congress and general society.
By failing to announce the war’s expansion into Cambodia and Laos, its revelation in 1970 led to
greater, more vociferous anti-war campaigns which included the Kent State shooting- where the
National Guard killed 4 students. This placed huge pressures on the government to seek a peaceful
solution to conflict, and thus, galvanised the passing of ‘Vietnamisation’.