A4 The Vietnam Conflict

a) Describe TWO key features of EITHER the My Lai Massacre OR guerrilla warfare.
(6)

b) Study Sources A and B

(8)

Source A: A 1969 British Cartoon of Richard Nixon; on the horses it reads “no
surrender” and “Vietnamisation”

Source B: President Lyndon B. Johnson at Johns Hopkins University on 7

April 1965

“We there because we have a promise to keep. Since 1954 every American
president has offered support to the people of South Vietnam. We have
helped to build, and we have helped to defend. Thus, over many years, we
have made a national pledge to help South Vietnam defend its independence.
And I intend to keep that promise. To dishonor that pledge, to abandon this
small and brave nation to its enemies, and to the terror that must follow,
would be an unforgivable wrong. We are also there to strengthen world order.
Around the globe from Berlin to Thailand are people whose well-being rests in
part on the belief that they can count on us if they are attacked. To leave
Vietnam to its fate would shake the confidence of all these people in the value
of an American commitment…”

How far does Source A support the evidence of source B about US policy towards
the Vietnam War?

Explain your answer.

Extract C :

From The USA and Vietnam 1945–75 written by Vivienne Saunders, published
in 2007.

“It is difficult to tell how many Americans were against the war. In a poll in October
1967, 46% of Americans felt that it had been a mistake to get involved in Vietnam,
but a massive majority of Americans wanted the USA to stay there and get tougher.
This poll then showed widespread support and widespread opposition to the war.

Perhaps media coverage of the Tet offensive in 1968 was the turning point. In the
next few weeks Johnson’s approval rating in the opinion polls fell from 48% to 36%.
And a minority of Americans protested loudly.

Politicians took notice of the wishes of voters. The protests probably played an
important part in bringing the war to an end.”

Extract C suggests that the main reason why the war ended was because of the will
of the American people. How far do you agree with this interpretation?

Use Extract C, Sources A and B.

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