EXTENSION OF THE COLD WAR: CASE STUDY – VIETNAM

Explain to what extent the United States of America was

successful in containing the spread of communism in Vietnam in
the period 1965 to 1975.

All the military might of the United States of America's army could
not defeat a small nation of Vietnamese peasants.

Critically discuss this statement in the context of the military

strategies that both the United States of America and the Vietcong
used in Vietnam between 1963 and 1973.

Explain to what extent the tactics and strategies that the Viet Cong
used against the United States of America's army were successful in
containing the spread of capitalism in Vietnam between 1965 and
1975.

Use relevant evidence to support your line of argument.

FYI
1963 = Villagisation
1964: The Gulf of Tonkin [ALWAYS IN THE ESSAY]
1965: 'Operation Rolling Thunder'

Background:
 In the Geneva Accords Vietnam was temporarily divided into
North Vietnam, which was controlled by the Communist
Vietminh and South Vietnam, which was backed by the USA
and France.
 A civil war broke out and the Vietcong, communist guerrilla
force, was formed to resist leadership in the capitalist south.
 Vietcong took advantage of South Vietnam's problems and
became popular.
 USA supported the French against the Vietminh
 Mainly to stop the spread of Communism ('domino theory -
meaning that once one state became Communist, others would
soon follow).
 American’s implemented Villagisation (USA and South Vietnam
government created new villages and attempted to separate
villagers [farmers] from guerrillas which was a failure).
Explain to what extent the United States of America was successful in
containing the spread of communism in Vietnam in the period 1965 to
1975.
All the military might of the United States of America's army could not defeat a
small nation of Vietnamese peasants.

Critically discuss this statement in the context of the military strategies that
both the United States of America and the Vietcong used in Vietnam between
1963 and 1973.
Explain to what extent the tactics and strategies that the Viet Cong used
against the United States of America's army were successful in containing the
spread of capitalism in Vietnam between 1965 and 1975.

Use relevant evidence to support your line of argument.