vietnam war essay questions grade 12

Vietnam Essay Grade 12 memo: Questions and Answers PDF Download

Vietnam Essay Grade 12 memo: Questions and Answers PDF Download:

Table of Contents

The Extension of the Cold War: Case Study – Vietnam

Question 1:.

The tactics and strategies that the United States of America used between 1963 and 1975 against the Vietcong during the war in Vietnam were a dismal failure.  Do you agree with the statement? Use relevant evidence to support your line of argument. 

SUMMARY Candidates are expected to form an opinion on the statement, providing their agreement or disagreement. Their opinions should be based on arguments regarding whether the US lost the Vietnam War due to unconventional guerrilla warfare strategies and local environmental factors. Candidates should substantiate their viewpoints with relevant historical evidence.

KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER The following aspects should be included in the candidate’s response:

• Introduction: Candidates must state their position on the statement and provide an overview of their supporting arguments.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS The response should delve into the strategies used by both the USA and the Vietcong:

• Background: Examination of the division of North and South Vietnam, initial US intervention in South Vietnam due to the Domino Theory, and the significance of the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
• The introduction and failure of the ‘Safe Village’ policy by the USA, aiming to separate guerrillas from villagers.
• The Gulf of Tonkin incident and its impact on escalating the conflict.
• Deployment of 3500 US Marines and ground troops to Vietnam on March 8, 1965.
• Environmental factors: Operation Ranch Hand and the use of chemical defoliants and chemical weapons, leading to significant environmental damage and international condemnation.
• Ineffectiveness of conventional strategies (Operation Rolling Thunder) versus unconventional guerrilla warfare tactics by the Vietcong.
• Impact of the Tet Offensive on USA-controlled cities and increasing number of US soldiers’ casualties.
• The implications of sending young and inexperienced soldiers to Vietnam, Search and Destroy Policy, and the My Lai massacre, leading to increased support for the Vietcong.
• External support to North Vietnam from USSR and China, resulting in access to modern weaponry.
• Effective use of guerrilla warfare and environmental tactics (underground tunnels, booby traps, sabotage) by the Vietcong and Vietminh.
• Vietnamisation: Nixon’s strategic withdrawal policy from Vietnam indicating the failure of USA’s attempt to prevent Vietnam from becoming a communist state.
• The end of USA involvement in the Vietnam war after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords and eventual control of Vietnam under communist rule.
• Other pertinent responses.

Candidates should then draw their arguments to a close with appropriate conclusions.

Example Essay based on the above:

Title: The Failure of American Strategies in the Vietnam War (1963-1975): An Analytical Overview

Introduction

The Vietnam War (1963-1975) is an enduring symbol of the failure of American military might against a largely rural, determined insurgency, the Vietcong. This essay agrees with the assertion that the United States’ tactics and strategies against the Vietcong during this period were a dismal failure, given the historical evidence. The strategic miscalculations and failures will be analyzed, including the Safe Village policy, the introduction of chemical defoliants, and the unsuccessful attempts to separate the guerrillas from villagers.

The Unconventional War

As early as 1962, the United States had identified Vietnam not as a conventional battleground like WWII, but as a theater for countering communist influence, underpinned by the fear of the Domino Theory. This strategy led to the implementation of the ‘Safe Village’ policy, designed to isolate the Vietcong from villagers. However, this policy failed because the Vietcong effectively operated within the villages themselves.

Chemical Warfare and Unintended Consequences

Operation Ranch Hand, initiated in 1962, introduced the use of chemical defoliants like Agent Orange and Agent Blue, aimed at environmental warfare by destroying forests and crops. However, these tactics did not effectively weaken the Vietcong, and instead caused substantial environmental damage and international condemnation, turning global public opinion against the United States.

Moreover, the application of chemical weapons, notably Napalm gas, resulted in widespread civilian casualties and atrocities such as the My Lai massacre in March 1968, which further fueled anti-war sentiment in the United States and abroad. This further strained the United States’ already fragile credibility and exacerbated support for the Vietcong.

Misjudgment of Guerrilla Tactics

The U.S. notably failed to anticipate and effectively respond to the guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the Vietcong. These tactics, which included the use of underground tunnels, booby traps, sabotage, and hit-and-run attacks, were instrumental in the Vietcong’s resilience against the American military.

The Tet Offensive of 1968 was a clear example of the Vietcong’s ability to adapt and respond to the U.S. strategies. The surprise attacks on over 100 U.S.-controlled cities not only challenged the American military but also deeply impacted the U.S. home front, leading to increased anti-war demonstrations. This, coupled with the deployment of young and inexperienced soldiers, further weakened the U.S. efforts.

Failed De-escalation and Withdrawal

Towards the end of the war, the United States tried to employ a strategy of “Vietnamisation” under President Nixon, aimed at strategically withdrawing U.S. troops while bolstering South Vietnam’s ability to combat communism. The policy, dubbed WHAM (Winning the Hearts and Minds of the Vietnamese), was largely seen as an admission of the failure of U.S. strategies and led to the eventual withdrawal of all U.S. troops by 1973, following the Paris Peace Accords.

In conclusion, the American tactics and strategies against the Vietcong during the Vietnam War (1963-1975) were indeed a dismal failure. Not only did they fail to curtail the Vietcong, but they also led to significant civilian casualties, alienated global public opinion, and failed to prevent Vietnam’s unification under communist rule. The inability to adapt to guerrilla warfare, coupled with strategic missteps, such as the Safe Village policy and the application of chemical warfare, resulted in the U.S. failing to achieve its objectives in Vietnam. Thus, this period represents a sobering lesson in the limitations of conventional warfare against determined and adaptable insurgencies.

Question 2:

The USA withdrew from Vietnam in 1975 because the war became more difficult and the public at home was turning against the USA’s participation. Do you agree with the statement? Support your answers with relevant historical evidence.

Introduction: In this response, I will agree with the statement and provide a comprehensive argument showcasing the difficulties faced by America in the Vietnam War and how public sentiment turned against the conflict.

Elaboration:

The Vietnam War presented numerous challenges for the United States, ultimately leading to a shift in public opinion against the war. Several key factors contributed to this shift:

• Geneva agreement and division of Vietnam: The Geneva agreement of 1954 divided Vietnam into North and South, setting the stage for the conflict. South Vietnam, under President Ngo Dinh Diem, refused to hold elections, leading to discontent among the Vietnamese people.
• The rise of the Vietcong: The communist Vietcong emerged in South Vietnam, starting a guerrilla war against the government. Their tactics included booby traps, underground tunnels, surprise attacks, and hit-and-run strategies, making it difficult for the United States to combat them effectively.
• USA’s involvement and rationale: The United States entered the war based on the principles of containment and the domino theory, fearing the spread of communism. They provided weapons and advisors to South Vietnam, while the Vietcong received support from China, Russia, and the Vietminh via the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
• Failures and setbacks: Despite implementing strategies like the safe village policy and Operation Rolling Thunder, the United States struggled to quell the Vietcong’s insurgency. The safe village policy failed as the Vietcong operated within the villages, and Operation Rolling Thunder did not succeed in destroying the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
• Public disillusionment and media exposure: The use of chemical weapons, such as Agent Orange and Agent Blue, by the United States, turned the Vietnamese population against them. Additionally, televised coverage of the war exposed the horrors faced by both soldiers and civilians, leading many Americans to question the justification and morality of their country’s involvement.
• Tet Offensive and its aftermath: The Tet Offensive in 1968, where the Vietcong launched surprise attacks and captured numerous cities, caused heavy casualties among U.S. forces. The offensive and subsequent events, including US atrocities like the My Lai massacre, further fueled anti-war sentiment and intensified protests within the United States.
• Vietnamization and withdrawal: President Nixon implemented the Vietnamization policy, which involved the gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops while South Vietnam continued the fight against the Vietcong. Eventually, all U.S. troops were withdrawn by 1973, and in 1975, North Vietnam took control of Saigon, unifying the country under a communist government.

Conclusion: The Vietnam War posed significant challenges for the United States, with the public opinion gradually turning against the conflict due to a combination of factors. The unconventional tactics employed by the Vietcong, the disillusionment caused by media exposure, and the inability of the U.S. to achieve decisive victories all contributed to the changing perception of the war. Ultimately, the United States withdrew its troops, and the communist forces emerged victorious. The Vietnam War stands as a stark reminder of the complexities of warfare and the crucial role public opinion plays in shaping the outcomes of such conflicts.

Title: The American Withdrawal from Vietnam in 1975: A Confluence of Military Challenges and Domestic Opposition

I concur with the statement that the USA withdrew from Vietnam in 1975 largely due to the escalating difficulty of the war and the burgeoning opposition at home. This essay will argue this position using relevant historical evidence and will explore the multi-faceted reasons for this turn of events, encompassing both geopolitical considerations and socio-political dynamics.

The Military Quagmire

The Geneva Accords of 1954 divided Vietnam into North and South, setting a stage ripe for conflict. When South Vietnam’s leader Diem refused to hold reunification elections, fearing communist victory, this led to the formation of the communist Viet Cong, backed by North Vietnam, China, and Russia. The USA, driven by Cold War ideologies of containment and the domino theory, provided support to South Vietnam to counter this threat. However, they grossly underestimated the complexity of the war.

The Viet Cong’s successful guerrilla tactics and intimate knowledge of the terrain posed a formidable challenge to the US forces. They were farmers by day and freedom fighters by night, often indistinguishable from the civilian population, and used intricate networks of tunnels and booby traps to launch surprise attacks. This innovative warfare, coupled with the harsh jungle environment, made American military operations – including Operation Rolling Thunder aimed at destroying the Ho Chi Minh Trail – largely ineffective.

The Domino Effect at Home

Meanwhile, at home, the American public sentiment was changing. The Gulf of Tonkin incident, which led to the escalation of US involvement, had initially galvanized support for the war. However, as the war dragged on with mounting casualties – the Tet Offensive alone resulted in 14,000 US casualties – and little progress, public opinion began to sour.

The widespread use of television brought the horrors of the war into American homes. The brutalities of the war, such as the My Lai massacre, and the use of controversial chemical weapons like Agent Orange, sparked public outcry. The war became increasingly unpopular, leading to widespread anti-war protests and a general consensus that the war was unwinnable. The pressure to withdraw was further intensified by revelations about the government’s deceit in managing public perceptions of the war, notably exposed in the Pentagon Papers.

The Path to Withdrawal

By 1969, with domestic opposition escalating and the war showing no signs of a decisive victory, President Nixon initiated the policy of Vietnamization. This policy aimed at training South Vietnamese forces to take over the fight while gradually withdrawing US troops. This marked a significant shift in US strategy, effectively signaling the impending end of direct US involvement.

In 1973, the Paris Peace Accords were signed, leading to the complete withdrawal of US troops. However, without American support, South Vietnam fell to the communist forces, and Saigon was captured in 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War.

In conclusion, the US withdrawal from Vietnam in 1975 was indeed the result of a combination of the war’s growing difficulty and escalating domestic opposition. The military challenges were underscored by the Viet Cong’s effective guerrilla tactics and the unfavorable environmental conditions, while domestic opposition was fueled by a disillusioned and protesting public. This historic event illustrates the profound impact of both military realities on the ground and public sentiment at home in shaping the course of foreign policy and military involvement.

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80 Vietnam War Essay Topics & Examples

Looking for Vietnam war essay topics? Being the largest conflict in the US history, Vietnam war is definitely worth analyzing.

• 🔝 Top 10 Essay Topics
• 💡 Essay: How to Write
• 🏆 Best Essay Examples & Topic Ideas
• 💣 Most Interesting Topics
• 🔍 Research Topics & Questions

Why did the US lose the Vietnam war? Who won the war and how did that happen? There are many questions about the conflict that wait to be answered. Other options for your Vietnam war essay are to focus on the US involvement or talk about the lessons of the conflict.

Whether you are planning to write an argumentative essay, research paper, or thesis on the Vietnam war, this article will be helpful. Here we’ve collected top Vietnam war research questions, titles. Essay examples are also added to add to your inspiration.

🔝 Top 10 Vietnam War Essay Topics

• Vietnam war: the causes
• US involvement in the Vietnam war
• Vietnam war: the key participants
• The causes of the conflict in Vietnam
• Gulf of Tonkin incident and its role in the Vietnam war
• Why did the US lose the Vietnam war?
• War crimes in the cause of the conflict in Vietnam
• Vietnam war: the role of women
• Weapons and technology in the Vietnam war
• Vietnam war and its influence on popular culture

💡 Vietnam War Essay: How to Write

Chemical warfare, civilian peace protests, and an overwhelming number of casualties are all central circumstances of a Vietnamese-American 19-year conflict that garnered attention all over the world.

Reflecting all these topics in a Vietnam War essay is essential to writing an excellent paper, as well as other structural and informational points. In the prewriting stages:

• Research your issue. Doing so will not only help you choose among various Vietnam War essay topics but also help you start assembling a list of sources that can be of use. Compiling a bibliography early on will allow you to gauge how well covered your subject is and whether you can approach it from different viewpoints. Use various book and journal titles to give your work academic credibility.
• Write a Vietnam War essay outline. This action will help you distribute the weight of your ideas evenly between sub-themes. In turn, doing so will allow you to create a smooth flowing, interconnected narrative of whichever issue you choose.
• Compose a title for your paper. Vietnam War essay titles should be both reflective of their author’s stance and representative of the chosen methodological approach. Since your title is the first thing a potential reader sees, it should grab their attention in the best way.
• Read available sample essays to see which tools and techniques may work in your own paper. While plagiarism is punishable in the academic world, there are no repercussions for getting inspiration or pretending to grade an essay for yourself. Good examples may be just the thing you need to write an excellent paper yourself!

Now you are ready to begin writing. Layering your paper with the appropriate information is only one aspect of essay writing, as you should also:

• Begin your introduction by placing a Vietnam War essay hook in it. This catch can be a remarkable piece of information, a quote from a famous person, or an opposing viewpoint on the subject. Whichever you choose, placing a hook allows you to interest your readers and secure their interest for the duration of your paper.
• Use appropriate terminology. A war-related paper may call for an in-depth understanding of technology, while an ideology related one requires more event-related knowledge. Choose your words according to the specifics of your issue and use them to write a comprehensive and well-rounded essay.
• Understand the cause and effect war environment. Clearly define the links between events and make sure your audience understands all the intricacies of the issue. A timeline, written by you or found online, should help you trace these connections, creating an interflowing essay.
• Recognize the effect of seemingly background events. The recognition of a soldier’s civil rights and the rise of a movement that called for American citizens to return to their home continent is not battlefield-related but greatly impacted politics regarding the issue. Remember that there may be connections between seemingly unrelated problems, and finding them is your goal as an essayist.
• Stick to your Vietnam War essay prompt and the received instructions. Ignoring the specified word count in favor of drafting a more extensive coverage of the problem is not worth losing a grade on a suburb essay.

Always check the rubric that your instructor provided to receive good grades.

Writing an essay giving your trouble? Zero starting ideas? Head over to IvyPanda and get your essay written in no time!

🏆 Best Vietnam War Essay Examples & Topic Ideas

• Similarities and Differences Between Korean and Vietnam Wars There were also several differences such as the way of development of the conflicts where the Korean War was during three years, and the Vietnam War was the prolonged struggle, the participation of the Chinese […]
• Music as a Weapon During the Vietnam War Music to the soldiers in Vietnam acted as a tool to remind all troops of the responsibility that they had taken by being on the battlefield.
• Why Did the United States Lose the Vietnam War? The Office of the Secretary of Defense had become demoralized due to the events that had taken place; hence, it was unwilling to escalate the war further due to the decline of the army troops […]
• Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War The Vietnam War caused unintended consequences for the civil rights movements of the 1960s as it awakened the African-Americans’ consciousness on the racism and despotism that they experienced in the United States.
• Causes and Effects of the Vietnamese War To the U.S.the war was a loss, because the reunion of South and North Vietnamese citizens marked the end of the war, hence U.S.’s undivided support for the southern region yielded nothing, apart from numerous […]
• How the Vietnam War Polarized American Society It galvanized the enemy and opponents of the war in both Vietnam and America and led many to question the ethics of the campaigns.
• The Vietnam War in the “Child of Two Worlds” Therefore, in the future, he is like to live in the outside world rather than in the inside one. Therefore, Lam wants to start a new life in the US and forgets his roots, which […]
• The Use of Agent Orange in the Vietnam War The Association of American Advancement of science prompted the US government to allow investigations into the effects of Agent Orange in Vietnam in 1968.
• How Did the Media Shape Americans’ Perceptions of the Vietnam War? At the heart of this war, the media is believed to have shaped the Americans perception about the war. Technology in this moment made it possible for television to film some incidents in the war […]
• Protests and Music of the Vietnam War As the public absorbed the announcement, and the truth behind the war, they were angered by the fact that many American lives had been lost in the war, and the fact that the government was […]
• Photos of Vietnam War The role of the media in the Vietnam War also raises issues of what the media ought to censor and report to the public.
• Vietnam War in the “Platoon” Movie by Oliver Stone In the context of the war, the confrontation between two non-commissioned officers, the cruel-hearted Barnes and the humane Elias, is depicted.
• Political and Social Forces During and After the Vietnam War The political forces in the aftermath of the Vietnam War centered around balancing between the Cold War and the maintenance of public support.
• Researching and Analysis of the Vietnam War A Chinese leader inspired by the Soviet Union and the Chinese, Ho Chi Minh, formed a union to aid the resistance against the French occupiers in Vietnam and the Japanese.
• The Vietnam War and the Tet Offensive In this presentation, the discussion of the impact of Tet Offensive on the United States and the role of media in military events will be discussed.
• The Artistic Legacy of Maya Lin: A Cultural Response to the Vietnam War Major confrontations as the signs of a shift in cultural perspectives and attitudes have always defined the development of art, the Vietnam War being one of the infamous examples of the phenomenon.
• Vietnam War: History and Facts of War That Began in 1959 The Second Indochina War began in 1959, five years after the division of the country, according to the Geneva Agreement. South Vietnam’s troops failed to substitute American soldiers, and in 1974 the peace agreement was […]
• The Vietnam War: Diplomatic Mechanisms Connected With the USA The onset of the Vietnam War exposed the vagaries in the American political and administrative systems in terms of issues of diplomacy, presidency, and even in cultural and social matters.
• “The Green Berets” Film About the Vietnam War According to the plot, one American journalist named George Beckworth is to cover the topic of the military involvement of the USA in this war.
• Vietnam War: David Halberstam’s “The Making of a Quagmire” In his account, the author of the book The Making of a Quagmire: America and Vietnam during the Kennedy Era, is categorical about the dealings of the Americans in the Vietnamese affair.
• “A Time of War: The United States and Vietnam” by Robert D. Schulzinger These events relate to the activities and interests of the Americans, the French and Vietnamese which preceded the beginning and the aftermath of the war.
• Interview Report: Memories of the Vietnam War Locker about the way he happened to take part in the Vietnam War, he said that he was drafted but, anyway, at that time he thought that it was his destiny as he wanted to […]
• Ho Chi Minh’s Influence in the Vietnam War He was the leader of the Vietnam independence movement and established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam which was governed by the communists.

💣 Most Interesting Vietnam War Topics

• “Vietnam War Generation Journal” by Aaron Over the years, the American people realized that the lived of the US soldiers were wasted for achieving the ambitious goals of the American leaders.
• How the Vietnam War Influenced the Iraq War? During the Vietnam era, the neo-conservatism movement expanded due to the political polarization occurring in the country between the anti-war, anti-American sentiments of the counterculture and neo-cons who championed blind patriotism.
• Impact of the Vietnam War and Results of the Cold War It galvanized the enemy and opponents of the war in both Vietnam and America and led many to question the ethics of the campaigns.
• The Vietnam War in American History Since early fifties the government of the United States began to pay special attention to Vietnam and political situation in this country, because, it was one of the most important regions in the Southeast Asia.
• How TV Showed the Vietnam War At the dawn of television media emergence, the coverage of the Vietnam War was subjective as the opinion of the public was manipulated by the government to get the desired reaction from the Americans to […]
• Vietnam War on Television Thus, the research paper will be written in accordance with the following working thesis statement: At the dawn of television media emergence, the coverage of the Vietnam War was subjective as the opinion of the […]
• Vietnam War Overview in Media Since the defeat of Saigon in April 1975, two opposing representations, the mirror theory, and the elitist opinion theory have appeared to clarify how the media impacted the results of the war.
• “The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War” by Downs At the very outset, it was clear to the soldiers that the war in Indochina was not being conducted in terms of the glory myths on which they had been raised. The second part of […]
• French Involvement in Vietnam War Even though in the overwhelming majority of cases, the author focuses attention on the history of Vietnam since the Involvement of the French troops in the nineteenth century, he also gives background information as to […]
• Vietnam War Perceptions of African American Leaders Externally, the country was embroiled in an unpopular war in Vietnam and internally, rejection of the ‘establishment’ typified by the ‘Counter-culture movement’ and the Black Civil rights movement was gaining momentum.
• Vietnamese Culture and Traditions: The Role in Vietnam War It was this division that left America with little understanding of how the rest of the world lives and how the country can effectively help others even in times of war.
• My Lai Massacre During Vietnam War American soldiers of Company assaulted the hamlet of My Lai part of the village of Son My in Quang Ngai province of South Vietnam on 16 March 1968.
• American Government’s Involvement in the Vietnam War According to John Kerry, although the main idea behind the decision made by the U.S.government at the time seemed legitimate given the rise in the threat of communism taking over democracy, the execution of it […]
• American History During the Vietnam War In the quest to figure out the events that took place in the history of America, I had an opportunity to interview a close family friend who was one of the African American soldiers during […]
• The Vietnam War on the Network Nightly News This evidence refuting the use of attrition by the American troops indicate that the strategy was ineffective and as such, it gave their enemies a leeway to capitalize on it and intensify the combat.
• China-Vietnam Opposition or the Third Vietnam War The Korean War, numerous military operations in the Middle East, and the Vietnam War were preconditioned by the clash of ideologies and parties unwillingness to make a compromise.
• Vietnam War vs. War on Terror in the Middle East The starting point for the War on Terror is considered to be the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and other locations which led to the deaths of thousands.
• The Vietnam War and Its Effects on the Veterans Although numerous books and articles contain memories of those who lived to tell the tale, the best way to learn about the Vietnam War and to understand how war changes people is to talk to […]
• Vietnam War: The Results of Flawed Containment The neo-orthodox perspective on the war in Vietnam consisted of criticism towards United States policies in the sense that civilian and military leaders of the country were unsuccessful in developing achievable and realistic plans with […]
• Vietnam War and American Revolution Comparison Consequently, the presence of these matters explains the linkage of the United States’ war in Vietnam and the American Revolution to Mao’s stages of the insurgency.
• Vietnam War in “A Path to Shine After” by James Post The author uses the contrast between a peaceful life of the veteran and his experience as a soldier to highlight the senselessness and cruelty of war.
• Vietnam War Experiences in David Vancil’s Poems For these reasons, the majority of the works devoted to the given issue tend to demonstrate the horrors of war and factors that impacted people.
• America in Vietnam War: Effects of Involvement However, the involvement of America in the war has made other countries around the world to question its principle of morality.

🔍 Vietnam War Research Topics & Questions

• African American Soldiers During Vietnam War In the 1960s and 70s, African Americans battled racial discrimination at home in the United States but also faced similar if not the same tension as a member of the Armed Forces while fighting in […]
• Contribution of Women in the Vietnam War Special emphasis will be given to nurses because without their contribution, so many soldiers would have lost their lives or suffered from deteriorating conditions in the War Some of the nurses in the Vietnam War […]
• The American Strategic Culture in Vietnam War Spector further emphasizes that the involvement of the United States in both phases of the Vietnam War was due to Harry Truman, the then president of the United States, who did not support communism, but […]
• Hanoi and Washington: The Vietnam War The Vietnam War was a conflict that was military in nature, occurred between the years 1954 and 1975, and was between the communists and the non-communists.
• America’s Failure in Promoting Its Politic in Vietnam Existing literature purports that, part of America’s agenda in Vietnam was to stop the spread of communism and in other literature excerpts, it is reported that, America was persuading North Vietnam to stop supporting the […]
• Vietnam War in the Book “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien The Irony of being at war is that Peace and conflict are both inevitable; it is the way we handle either of the two that determines our opinion of life in general both in the […]
• Anti-War Movement and American Views on the Vietnam War The fact that people started to take part in demonstrations and openly protest any drafting and involvement of the United States in the war, created even more attention towards the Vietnam Conflict.
• The Vietnam War: Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy Leadership Roles On November 1, 1995, Eisenhower’s action to give military training to the government of South Vietnam marked the official start of the U.S.involvement in the Vietnamese conflict.
• The Vietnam War Causes The aftermath of the Second World War had the South Vietnam controlled by the French and the North Vietnam controlled by Viet Minh.
• The Vietnam War: A Clash of Viewpoints With the help of the most realistic descriptions and the vivid pictures of woes that soldiers had to take in the course of the battles, the author makes the people sink into the mind of […]
• China’s Support for North Vietnam in the Vietnam War As of the time of the war, the capital city of South Vietnam was Saigon while that of the North was Hanoi.
• The Role of Women in the Vietnam War For example, women in the Navy Nurse Corps and Army Nurse Corp were sent to take part in the Vietnam War and the Korean War.
• Appy, C. and Bloom, A., Vietnam War Mythology and the Rise of Public Cynicism, 49-73 The first myth is that the intervention of the US in the Vietnam War was devoid of any political interests and colonial based ambition contrary to that of the French.
• Vietnam Women Soldiers in the Vietnam War and Life Change After the War In 1968, the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong forces attacked all the major cities of South Vietnam and even the US embassy followed where the war could not stop but in the year 1973 […]
• Vietnam War: The Battle Where There Could Be No Winners Inflamed by the ideas of the patriotic behavior and the mission of protecting the interests of the native land, the American soldiers were eager to start the battle.
• The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution of 1964 Is a Turning Point in Vietnam War The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that occurred in August 7, 1964, was one of the major turning points in the United States military involvement into the flow of the Vietnam War.
• The Vietnam War’s and Student’s Unrest Connection An example of such protests were held by the by the University of Washington during the national strikes that took an approximate one week as a reaction to the Kent University shootings and a culmination […]
• Vietnam War: John Kerry’s Role Kerry’s actions during the Vietnam war that eventually led to his acquisition of the Purple Heart is a as a result of his ability to stop the actions of the enemy as evident in their […]
• Views on Vietnamese War in the Revisionism School Though United States did not involve itself into the war in order to break the dominance of Soviet Union, it wanted to gain politically and economically.
• Stories From the Vietnam War In the dissonance of opinions on the Vietnam War, it appears reasonable to turn to the first-hand experiences of the veterans and to draw real-life information from their stories.
• Concepts of the Vietnam War The fear to go to Vietnam and participate in a war that many believed America will inevitably lose, continued to engulf their life even more.
• Analysis of the Vietnam War Timeline 1961-64 In essence, the analysis of JWPs in this war would entail critical exploration of the jus in bello, with the aim of determining the combatants and non-combatants, and this is important in the sense that […]
• Politics in the 1960s: Vietnam War, Bay of Pigs Invasion, Berlin Wall However, in recent years following the collapse of the Soviet Union between1980 1990 and the opening of Vietnam to the outside world in the same period it is possible to understand the motives of both […]
• The Vietnam War Outcomes The Vietnam War was and is still considered the longest deployment of the U. In conclusion, both the U.S.and the Vietnam governments have a lot to ponder regarding the outcome of the Vietnam War.
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Gr. 12 HISTORY Revision: The Vietnam War

Revision: The Vietnam War

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History Paper 1 Memorandum - Grade 12 September 2021 Preparatory Exams

SECTION A: SOURCE-BASED QUESTIONS QUESTION 1 HOW DID THE BERLIN BLOCKADE CONTRIBUTE TO COLD WAR TENSIONS BETWEEN THE WESTERN POWERS AND THE SOVIET UNION? 1.1 1.1.1 Extraction of evidence from Source 1A – L1]

• Germany (1 x 1) (1)

1.1.2 [Extraction of evidence from Source 1A – L1]

• Germany was divided into four occupational zones
• Berlin was divided as well, with the Western part of the city in Allied hands and the East under Soviet control (2 x 1) (2)

1.1.3 [Extraction of evidence from Source 1A – L1]

• ‘forcing the country to pay war reparations’
• ‘contribute its industrial technology to help post war Soviet recovery’ (Any 1 x 1) (1)

1.1.4 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 1A – L1]

• This is because no agreement had been reached at Yalta or Potsdam on a uniform currency for the different zones.
• The Allies did not inform Russia of the introduction of the new currency, although they jointly controlled Berlin.
• Any other relevant response (Any 1 x 2) (2)

1.1.5 [Extraction of evidence from Source 1A – L2]

• ‘Soviets immediately issued their own currency, the Ostmark, into Berlin and eastern Germany’
• ‘That same day – June 24, 1948 – they blocked all road, railway and canal access to the Allied-occupied zones of Berlin, announcing that the four-way administration of the city had come to an end’ (2 x 1) (2)

1.2 1.2.1 [Definition of a historical concept from Source 1B – L1]

• Cold War is an ideological battle between capitalism and communism without engaging in physical combat.

1.2.2 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 1B – L2]

• They were avoiding a ‘hot war’.
• They did not want to be perceived as the aggressor.
• Germany had just emerged from a 6-year war, and another war would have caused devastation.
• An armed conflict in Berlin would have led to the deaths of thousands of Germans.
• Any other relevant response (Any 2 x 2)  (4)

1.2.3 [Definition of historical concepts from Source 1B – L2]

• Economic system based on private ownership.
• Any other relevant response  (Any 1 x 2) (2)

1.2.4 [Extraction of evidence from Source 1B – L1]

• The did not want to risk an armed conflict with the Soviet Union (1 x 1) (1)

1.2.5 Extraction of evidence from Source 1B – L1]

• France   (Any 2 x 1)(2)

1.2.6 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 1B – L2]

• To speed up the economic recovery of West Berlin.
• Showing the world that capitalism was better than communism.
• To demonstrate the success of capitalism.
• To prevent possible riots amongst the residents of West Berlin.
• To bring about divisions in East Germany and East Berlin
• To cause divisions amongst communist thinking
•  Any other relevant response (Any 1 x 2)   (2)

1.3 1.3.1 [Extraction of evidence from Source 1C – L1]

• Other necessities   (Any 2 x 1)  (2)

1.3.2 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 1C – L2]

• They were cut off from essential necessities.
• Residents were cut off from relatives who lived in the other zones.
• Residents of West Berlin were now exposed to power outages, food shortages and food rationing.
• Residents of West Berlin were adversely hit by the blockade.
• Any other relevant response (Any 1 x 2)  (2)

1.3.3 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 1C – L2]

• They wanted to showcase their resistance against the blockade.
• They did not want to give in to communist pressure.
• They wanted to show Russia that they were not dependent on them.
• To demonstrate their determination to live under a capitalist order.
• They would have lost their independence had they accept help from the Russians.

1.3.4 [Evaluate the usefulness of evidence from Source 1C – L3] The source is USEFUL because:

• It shows that the Allies did not give in to Russian pressure.
• It gives the finer details of the airlift that the Allies used to provide West Berlin with supplies
• It demonstrates the Allies’ resolve to limit communism.
• It demonstrates the Allies’ determination to protect and support capitalist and democratic countries.
• Any other relevant response (Any 2 x 2) (4)

1.4 1.4.1 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 1D – L3]

• It shows Western powers delivering the necessities in West Berlin.
• They used airplanes to deliver food to West Berlin because of the Blockade.

1.4.2 [Extraction of evidence from Source 1D – L1]

• Airplanes (1 x 1) (1)

1.5 [Comparison of evidence from Sources 1C and 1D – L3]

• Source 1C states that British and American soldiers made about 400 000 flights into Western Berlin carrying necessities and Source 1D shows soldiers delivering necessities to West Berlin.
• Source 1C states that British and American soldiers delivered nearly two million tons of food, coal, clothing and other essentials while Source 1D clearly depicts the crates in which the food, coal and essentials were transported.
• Both sources show that food were delivered through air lifts

1.6 [Interpretation, analysis and synthesis of evidence from relevant sources – L3] Candidates may use the following as points to answer the question:

• The United States, France and Soviet Union divided Germany and Berlin into four zones (Source 1A)
• The Western powers decided to combine their sectors to form West Berlin while Russia named their zone East Berlin (Own knowledge)
• No agreement was reached on a uniform system of government in different zones (Own knowledge)
• Western powers introduced a new currency and it led to prosperity in the West compared to the poverty in East Berlin.
• Stalin perceived the introduction of the new currency as a violation of post war agreements (Source 1A)
• Stalin blocked all the access routes and canals to gain total control Berlin (Source 1A)
• Western allies were not prepared to risk armed conflict with the Soviets as a way to open access routes to West Berlin (Source 1B)
• They decided to supply their sectors with all the necessities through airlifts (Source 1B, 1C and 1D)
• Flights were landing every 45 seconds at one of the three airports in West Berlin (Source 1C and Source 1D)
• Stalin on the other side was not prepared to risk a war by shooting those airplanes (Source 1B)
• In May 1949, Stalin ended/lifted the Blockade (Source 1B)
• Any other relevant response

Use the following rubric to allocate a mark:

QUESTION 2: WHY DID ANGOLA BECOME THE FOCAL POINT OF THE COLD WAR IN AFRICA DURING THE 1970s? 2.1 2.1.1 [Extraction of evidence from Source 2A – L1]

• ‘Oil’ (2 x 1)  (2)

2.2.2 [Definition of a historical concept from Source 2A – L1]

• A peace agreement between fighting parties to bring an end to an armed conflict
• Any relevant response (Any 1 x 2)  (2)

2.1.3 [Extraction of evidence from Source 2A – L1]

• ‘Portugal’ (1 x 1) (1)

2.1.4 [Extraction of evidence from Source 2A – L1]

• ‘UNITA’ (3 x 1)  (3)

2.1.5 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 2A – L2]

• Russia wanted to spread communism in Africa.
• Russia wanted to obtain naval bases in Africa
• Russia wanted to sign trade agreements with African countries
• Any relevant response (Any 2 x 2)  (4)

2.2 2.2.1 [Extraction of evidence from Source 2B – L1] • ‘… the superpowers and their allies delivered military assistance to their preferred clients’ (1 x 2) (2) 2.2.2 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 2B – L2]

• The USA wanted to prevent the communist MPLA from taking over Angola.
• The USA wanted to safeguard her petroleum interests in Angola.
• The USA did not want to send troops to Angola since she was already defeated in Vietnam; hence they supported these movements to overthrow the MPLA.

2.2.3 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 2B – L2]

• The MPLA and Castro were communist allies.
• Many Cubans were of Angolan descent.

2.2.4 [Definition of historical concept in Source 2B – L2]

• The right of Angolan citizens to govern themselves free from colonial rule.

2.3 2.3.1 [Extraction of evidence from Source 2C – L1]

• ‘Cubans’ (2 x 1) (2)

2.3.2 [Extraction of evidence from Source 2C – L1]

• ‘Calueque’ (2 x 1)  (2)

2.3.3 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 2C – L2]

• The MPLA was a communist organisation.
• The MPLA was against SA Apartheid policy
• The MPLA allowed SWAPO and ANC to establish military bases in Angola.
• SA did not want to be surrounded by communist neighbouring states.

2.3.4 Evaluate the usefulness of evidence from Source 2C – L3] The source is USEFUL because:

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• It gives an objective view of SA’s involvement in the Angolan Civil War of 1975
• The purpose of the source is to inform the reader about SA’s reasons for intervening in Angola.
• It highlights the SA government’s fear of communism.
• It shows that SA had economic and political interest in SWA that they wanted to protect.
• Any other relevant response. (Any 2 x 2) (4)

2.4 2.4.1 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 2D – L2]

• SA and UNITA had a very good relationship.
• SA and UNITA were allies.
• SA and UNITA supported each other’s objectives during the Angolan Civil War
• SA favoured or preferred UNITA as the ruling party in Angola.

2.4.2 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 2D – L2]

• UNITA is the enemy of the MPLA and SA; hence the two are allies.
• UNITA is the enemy of the MPLA and therefore UNITA is a friend of SA.

2.5 [Comparison of information from Source 2C and Source 2D – L3]

• Source 2C states that SA supported UNITA whilst this support is clearly depicted in Source 2D.
• Source 2C states that SA started to train UNITA soldiers whilst this support is clearly depicted in the photograph where Magnus Malan is seen next to PW Botha and Jonas Savimbi
• Both sources depict SA and UNITA as allies.
• Any other relevant answer (Any 2 x 2)  (4)

2.6 [Interpretation, analysis and synthesis of evidence from relevant sources – L3] Candidates may include the following aspects in their responses.

• After independence, the three movements competed for power in Angola (Own knowledge)
• Angola was rich in diamonds and oil and thus sparked foreign interference (Source 2A)
• The superpowers and their allies delivered military assistance to their preferred clients (Source 2B)
• The foreign powers provided aid to different liberation movements (MPLA, FNLA and UNITA) in Angola (Source 2A and 2B)
• The USA supplied aid and training to FNLA and UNITA (Source 2B)
• The Soviet Union also provided military training and equipment to the MPLA (Source 2B)
• SA supported UNITA because they wanted to prevent the spread of communism in Southern Africa (Source 2B)
• SA wanted to break its own isolation and therefore welcomed the US request to support UNITA (own knowledge)
• MPLA negotiated with Castro for Cuban assistance (Source 2B)
• SA was against the communist MPLA (Source 2C)
• South Africa supported UNITA (Source 2B)
• South Africa had economic interests in SWA – Ruacana and Calueque dams (Source 2C)
• SA supported UNITA as official government of Angola (Source 2C and 2D)
• SA and UNITA united in their effort to topple the MPLA as the official government of Angola. (Source 2C and 2D)
• Any other relevant answer

QUESTION 3: WHAT CHALLENGES DID THE LITTLE ROCK NINE FACE DURING THE INTERGRATION OF CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL IN 1957? 3.1 3.1.1 [Extraction of information from Source 3A – L1]

• ‘that the racial segregation in educational facilities was unconstitutional’ (1 x 2) (2)

3.1.2 [Definition of historical concept in Source 3A – L1]

• The end of segregation and the opening of facilities to all races.
• Any other relevant response (Any 1 x 2) (2)

3.1.3 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 3A – L2]

• It meant that segregated schools and universities were against the law.
• It meant that segregated educational facilities were not accepted and protected in the constitution.

3.1.4 [Extraction of evidence from Source 3A – L1]

• ‘Eighty students’ (1 x 1) (1)

3.1.5 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 3A – L2]

• They were more comfortable amongst their own people.
• They wanted to avoid racism towards them at Little Rock.
• They did not want to be humiliated.
• They knew their safety would not be guaranteed.
• They avoided prosecution at the hands of the KKK.
• Any other relevant response (Any 1 x 2)   (2)

3.2 3.2.1 [Extraction of evidence from Source 3B – L1]

• ‘All alone, her knees shaking …’ (1 x 2) (2)

3.2.2 [Extraction of evidence from Source 3B – L1]

• ‘A jeering mob blocked her path’
• ‘The mob surrounded her’
• ‘Get a rope’
• ‘Drag her over to this tree!’
• ‘Let’s take care of the nigger’ (Any 3 x 1)  (3)

3.2.3 [Interpretation of evidence in Source 3B – L2]

• The white mob was opposed to integration at Central High School
• The white mob was still racist.
• The white mob believed that whites were superior, and blacks were inferior.

3.2.4 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 3B – L2]

• Grace Lorch was not a racist
• Grace Lorch did not perceive blacks to be inferior.
• Grace Lorch was in favour of integration.
• Grace Lorch saw all races as equal.
• Grace Lorch had sympathy for the plight of Blacks.
• She showed sympathy to Eckford
• Any other relevant response (Any 2 x 2)   (4)

3.3 3.3.1 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 3C – L2]

• Racial integration was not tolerated by the white community in Arkansas.
• Racial integration would be very hard to implement.
• Racial integration was even prevented by the state police.

3.3.2 [Evaluating the reliability of evidence in Source 3C – L3] The source is RELIABLE to a large extent because:

• It is a primary source providing first-hand information about the event.
• The information can be confirmed by other historical sources.
• The photographer was present during the event – eyewitness

3.4 [Comparison of evidence in Sources 3B and 3C – L3]

• Source 3B declares that Elizabeth was greeted on her way to school by an angry white crowd, while Source 3C portrays the angry crowd
• Source 3B states that the National guardsmen did nothing to protect Elizabeth while Source 3C portrays the National Guardsmen as passive soldiers who observe the event instead of protecting Elizabeth.

3.5 3.5.1 [Extraction of evidence from Source 3D – L1]

• ‘… he had taken the action to defend the rule of law’
• ‘and prevent mob rule and anarchy’ (2 x 1)  (2)

3.5.2 [Extraction of evidence from Source 3D – L1]

• ‘Black students were subjected to verbal and physical assaults from a faction of white students.’
• ‘Melba Patillo, one of nine, had acid thrown in her eyes.’
• ‘Elizabeth Eckford was pushed down a flight of stairs.’
• ‘The three male students in the group were subjected to more conventional beatings.’
• ‘Minnijean Brown was suspended after dumping a bowl of chili over the head of a taunting white student’ (Any 2 x 1)  (2)

3.5.3 [Interpretation of evidence from Source 3D – L2]

• He was against racial integration of schools.
• Faubus was a racist
• Faubus wanted to prevent the Black learners from entering the school

3.5.4 [Definition of historical concept in Source 3D – L2]

• Refers to the situation where African Americans and whites would share the same facilities without racial discrimination.

3.6 [Interpretation, analysis and synthesis from relevant sources – L3] Candidates may include the following aspects in their responses:

• Racial discrimination was very common in the southern states and Arkansas was also affected (Source 3A)
• Brown versus Board of Education of Topeka ruled that racial segregation in educational facilities was unconstitutional (Source 3A
• Integration at Little Rock was approved but because it was located in the south, many challenges were expected (Source 3A)
• Elizabeth Eckford, one of the Little Rock Nine was denied entry at Central High School (Source 3B)
• An angry white mob surrounded, shouted and harassed her (Source 3B)
• The guards did nothing to protect Elizabeth Eckford (Source 3B and 3C)
• The president decided to enforce integration by force (Source 3D)
• Black students were subjected to verbal and physical assaults (Source 3D)
• Governor Faubus fought school integration plan by closing Little Rock’s high school rather than allowing integration (Source 3D)
• Despite challenges, majority of Black students graduated (Source 3D

SECTION B: ESSAY QUESTIONS QUESTION 4: THE COLD WAR – VIETNAM [Plan and construct an original argument based on relevant evidence using analytical and interpretative skills.] SYNOPSIS Candidates need to agree or disagree with the statement and support their argument with relevant historical evidence. In disagreeing with the statement candidates should identify and discuss the other military strategies that were used to contain communism. MAIN ASPECTS Candidates should include the following aspects in their responses: Introduction: Candidates should agree or disagree with the statement and briefly explain their reasons. ELABORATION

• After the French Vietnamese war, Vietnam was divided, along the 17th Parallel, into North and South Vietnam
• North Vietnam was under a communist regime, while South Vietnam was under a capitalist regime
• The USA gave unconditional support to South Vietnam.
• South Vietnam was ruled by the corrupt and unpopular Ngo Dinh Diem
• The National Liberation Front was formed and had a guerrilla army, the Vietcong.
• Ngo Dihn Diem was overthrown – instability in South Vietnam
• Vietcong started a protracted campaign to unify Vietnam
• China and North Vietnam supported the Vietcong
• The USA got involved – to prevent the spreading of communism in South East Asia – the ‘Domino Effect’
• The Vietcong received supplies from the communist North Vietnam through the Ho Chi Minh Trail
• USA’s operation Rolling Thunder: Bombing campaigns directed against North Vietnam. Thousands of civilians were killed by the bombs. Bombing was intensive and it lasted for eight years. The operation failed, partly because North Vietnam was mainly a farming country and there were no military or industrial targets. Russia and Chinese were able to replace all military supplies that the Americans destroyed.
• Tet Offensive: On 30th January 1968 the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army launched widespread attacks on about 100 cities and towns. These attacks were timed to coincide with the first day of the Tet holiday although there was an agreement to observe a ceasefire during the holiday. The attack came as a surprise to the South and its American allies.
• The USA’s use of technological weapons: Americans used some methods that relied on the application of science to warfare. Helicopters were used to transport troops. A great problem for the Americans was finding the VC in the thick, tropical jungle. They therefore developed ‘Agent Orange’ to destroy the bush where the VC soldiers could hide. ‘Agent Blue’ was used by Americans and it polluted the land, which remained infertile for many years. America also used chemicals that caught fire. Napalm produces a thick gel that attaches itself to the skin and burns through to the muscle and bone.
• Search and destroy policy: The purpose of the policy was to find the enemy and destroy him. One problem was identifying the enemy. Innocent civilians were the victims of the bombs. So it was very much a hit-and-miss policy.
• The USA’s public opposition to the war
• The USA’s heavy losses
• The USA’s withdrawal
• Fall of Saigon: The capital of South Vietnam was Saigon and the American embassy itself was seized by guerrillas after six and half hours. Americans watched this event on TV. The symbol of American power and prestige that dominated downtown Saigon has been disposed of with bullet holes.
• American perspective of the war
• Vietnamese perspective of the war
• Any other relevant response.
• Conclusion: Candidates should tie up their argument with a relevant conclusion.             [50]

QUESTION 5: INDEPENDENT AFRICA: CASE STUDY – THE CONGO [Plan and construct an original argument based on relevant evidence using analytical and interpretative skills.] SYNOPSIS Candidates must focus on the political and economic challenges that the Congo faced after attaining independence. They should also emphasise all the successes that have been achieved despite the circumstances. MAIN ASPECTS Candidates should include the following aspects in their responses: Introduction: Candidates should critically discuss the successes and challenges faced by Congo with specific reference to the economic and political aspects after attaining independence from colonial rule. ELABORATION POLITICAL ASPECTS Congo:

• Attained independence through democratic elections (the Congo 1960) – J. Kasavubu became President and P. Lumumba became the Prime Minister
• After holding multi-party elections at independence, the Congo became a one- party state within the first five years after gaining independence
• Mobuto Sese Seko remained as president for life until his death in 2007
• Mobuto aimed at promoting a sense of national unity and pride in Zairian identity and culture
• He changed the name of the Congo to Zaire
• The new name signified the beginning of a programme of ‘Zaireanisation’
• Mobuto supported the losing faction in the Angolan Civil War
• Mobuto Sese Seko created a kleptocracy where a group of appointed public officials abused their positions for financial gain
• Brought back African values
• Strong centralised government
• Political stability (though based on authoritarianism)

ECONOMIC ASPECTS

• The Congo inherited a single-product economy from her coloniser.
• The Congo followed a capitalistic model
• The Congo struggled to develop its economy
• Mobuto initially nationalised industries using the Zairianisation policy – which involved taking farms and businesses from the foreign owners who were replaced by Congolese.
• The Congolese people became very angry because the country’s economy collapsed
• The Congolese were without food and ethnic groups quarrelled to control valuable resources
• When it failed due to lack of skills and poor management, he adopted a capitalistic model and returned businesses to foreign owners.
• He supported the idea of free enterprise and encouraged foreign companies to involve themselves in the economic development of Zaire
• The Congo had to accept foreign aid and allow investments which initially was viewed as neo-colonialists
• Conclusion: Candidates should tie up their argument with a relevant conclusion.       [50]

QUESTION 6: CIVIL SOCIETY PROTESTS FROM THE 1950s TO THE 1970s – THE BLACK POWER MOVEMENT [Plan and construct an original argument based on relevant evidence using analytical and interpretative skills.] SYNOPSIS Candidates should indicate to what extent the Black Power Movement was successful in changing the lives of African Americans in the 1960s. MAIN ASPECTS Candidates should include the following aspects in their responses: Introduction: Candidates should indicate to what extent the Black Power Movement was successful in changing the lives of African Americans in the 1960s. They must also indicate how they intend to support their line of argument. ELABORATION Causes

• Blacks in the north was still discriminated against and still economically disempowered
• Blacks were disillusioned with the slow pace of change and peaceful protest actions of the CRM
• Police brutality was a contributing factor
• Grew nationalist feelings – the right to govern themselves

Black Power:

• This philosophy advocated self-reliance and self determination
• Urged blacks to take pride in themselves
• Urged blacks to control their own politics in their communities
• Urged blacks to protect themselves from police brutality

The Black Panther Party

• Newton and Searle formed the BPP for self defence
• They patrolled the cities to protect Blacks against police brutality
• Implemented the Ten Point Programme
• Demanded better housing and job opportunities for Blacks
• Implemented the Survival Programmes
• Free breakfast for children, literacy classes, feeding schemes and free medical clinics
• Demanded that Black History be taught in Black schools
• Rejected white ideas of fashion
• Was opposed to racial integration

The role of Malcolm X:

• Malcolm X was a powerful speaker and dedicated human rights activist
• Malcolm X believed in black separation, self-determination (black nationalism) and he advocated self-respect and self-discipline
• He believed in the concept of Black self-pride and self-esteem/self- respect/self-help
• Called for assertiveness (aggressiveness) in their revolution e.g. race riots at Watt, Detroit
• Wanted African Americans to stand up against white authorities in pursuit of freedom, justice and equality by whatever means possible
• Promoted the use of violence as a means of self defence against those who attacked African Americans

The role of Stokely Carmichael:

• Stockely became the chairman of SNCC (Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee) in 1966 and decided to embrace the teachings of the Black Power Movement
• In 1966 he popularised the Black Power slogan ‘Black is beautiful’
• Advocated the principles of Black Power (do things for yourself; control politics in their communities; take pride in own culture and defend themselves against racial oppression and manipulation)
• He believed in non-violence as a strategy that was not working because of on- going violence that was used by white Americans against African Americans
• Advocated the exclusion of ‘white’ liberals as a philosophy for African Americans
• Stokely Carmichael was in favour of African clothing and African hairstyles as a symbol of Black Pride
• Carmichael joined the Black Panther Party (for self-defence) which put into action the Black Power/Black Pride philosophy
• The Black Panther Party was formed by Bobby Searle and Huey Newton
• They were involved in initiating and supporting community-based programmes and feeding schemes as well as anti-poverty centres; for defence against police brutality; focused on socio-economic conditions of African Americans and also operated community survival programmes
• The Ten (10)-point plan served as the Black Panther Party Manifesto that covered its social, political and economic goals
• The Black Panther Party got involved in streets patrols; monitored police activities and defended themselves by carrying guns (military approach) to stop the on-going police brutality and harassment of young urban black men.
• Conclusion: Candidates should tie up their argument with a relevant conclusion.    [50]

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Extension of the Cold War Case Study Vietnam Essay – Grade 12 History

Extension of the Cold War Case Study Vietnam Essay – Grade 12 History Answer Guide based on the memo.

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.

Answer Guide:

Plan and construct an original argument based on relevant evidence using analytical and interpretative skills.

Candidates must critically discuss why the USA was unable to defeat a small nation of Vietnamese peasants during the Vietnam War between 1963 and 1973.

An outline of the tactics and strategies employed by the USA’s army and the Vietmihn/Vietcong (National Liberation Front) during the war should be highlighted.

MAIN ASPECTS

Candidates may include the following aspects in their response:

Introduction: Candidates should critically discuss the statement and develop a relevant line of argument.

ELABORATION

USA strategies:

• Reasons for the USA’s deployment of troops to Vietnam
• Villagisation/strategic hamlet programme (USA and South Vietnam government created new villages and attempted to separate villagers (farmers) from guerrillas) of which it was a failure
• Gulf of Tonkin resolution (1964) gave President Johnson wide military powers resulting in the escalation of warfare in Vietnam
• The USA’s mass aerial bombing – “Operation Rolling Thunder”
• Operation Ranch Hand (used chemicals to destroy forests (Agent Orange) and crops (Agent Blue)
• US sent young and inexperienced soldiers to Vietnam
• US used search and destroy missions (My Lai massacre) to destroy villages supported by Viet Cong (this resulted in a number of civilian deaths)
• The role of the media, students and disarmament movements in bringing pressure on the US government to withdraw from Vietnam
• President Nixon’s Vietnamisation policy/including WHAM (Winning the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese) was an attempt by the USA to withdraw from war and save face
• The USA withdraw all troops by 1973 and North Vietnam took control of Saigon in 1975
• Any other relevant response

Vietcong strategies:

• North Vietnam received military support from the USSR and China so the Vietminh and Vietcong had access to some modern weapons
• Guerrilla warfare was effectively used by the Vietcong, supported by Vietminh from the north and used tactics such as booby traps, underground tunnels, hit and run and sabotage
• Tet offensive (1968) was launched by Vietminh and Vietcong against urban centres and USA bases throughout Vietnam
• The local Vietnamese population supported the Vietcong to liberate their country
• Ho Chi Minh Trail used by Vietminh (North) to support Vietcong in the south
• The Vietcong increased its support base because of the tactics used against the USA soldiers
• Vietnamese were united in the defence of their country
• Conclusion: Candidates should tie-up their arguments with relevant conclusions.

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Home — Essay Samples — War — Vietnam War — The Vietnam War Historical Analysis

The Vietnam War Historical Analysis

• Categories: Vietnam War

About this sample

Words: 502 |

Published: Jan 30, 2024

Words: 502 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Historical context, causes of the vietnam war, progression of the war, opposition to the war, impact of the war.

• BBC News. "Vietnam War: History." https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16220030
• National Archives. "The Vietnam War and American Involvement." https://www.archives.gov/research/military/vietnam-war
• History. "Vietnam War." https://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/vietnam-war-history

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