In a few words, how did the Vietnam War start?
The Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a conflict between North and South Vietnam from 1955 to 1975. This war was fought between the communist North Vietnamese and their allies, and the non-communist South Vietnamese and their allies. It was the first war that was broadcasted on television.
Concepts:
North Vietnam: the communist-controlled republic in northern Indochina; originally part of French Indochina; achieved independence from France in 1954 South Vietnam: the former non-communist republic in southern Indochina; established in 1954 with the help of French troops and later supported by US troops Viet Cong: a guerrilla force made up of South Vietnamese communists
What was the most significant event of the Vietnam War?
- The Tet Offensive
- The Fall of Saigon
- The My Lai Massacre
- The Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Fun facts:
More than 3 million people were killed during the war. The US sent over 2 million soldiers to Vietnam. The US also used Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide, to clear forest areas used by the Viet Cong.
Draw / write: What were the major causes of the Vietnam War?
Draw / write: What role did the United States play in the Vietnam War?
What are the effects of war on people and societies?
What can we learn from the Vietnam War?