Historian #1: The Beginnings (1954-1959)
Unlike previous wars in our nations past there was no real starting point to
the Vietnam War � there was no Lexington and Concord. Instead the U.S.
entered the war gradually over a number of years. Therefore, to better
understand the conflict in Vietnam the UN would like to gain an
understanding of a few of the fundamental concepts and people that were
important at the outset of the conflict. Specifically, the UN would like to
better understand the following:
1.) Who were the Vietcong?
2.) What was the Ho Chi Minh trail?
3.) What military tactics were used during the war? Why were these tactics
important?
4.) Who were the important figures throughout the length of the war?
a) John Kennedy
b) Robert McNamara
c) Lyndon Johnson
d) Richard Nixon
e) Ho Chi Minh
f) Ngo Dinh Nhu
5.) The UN would like to know, in your assessment, why was the war so deadly
as compared to previous conflicts engaged in by the United States?
Internet Resources
Who were the Vietcong?
The Vietcong
What was the Ho Chi Minh Trail?
Ho Chi Minh Trail
What was the Ho Chi Minh Trail?
Ho Chi Minh Trail #2
What types of military tactics were used during the conflict?
Military Tactics in Vietnam
Who were the important figures associated with the war?
Important Figures
Who were the important figures associated with the war?
Important Figures #2