Cnn The Sixties The War In Vietnam Worksheet Answer Key

CNN: The Sixties - The War in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Worksheet Answer Key and Analysis

The CNN documentary series "The Sixties" dedicates a significant portion to the Vietnam War, exploring its complex causes, devastating consequences, and lasting impact on American society. This worksheet answer key and analysis delve deeper into the key events, figures, and themes presented in the episode, providing a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal moment in history. While specific worksheet questions vary, this resource addresses common themes and points of discussion, offering insightful answers and expanding upon the documentary's content.

Understanding the Context: The Cold War and Domino Theory

Before diving into the specific events of the Vietnam War as depicted in "The Sixties," it's crucial to understand the broader geopolitical context. The Cold War, the ideological struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, cast a long shadow over the conflict. The Domino Theory, the belief that if one Southeast Asian nation fell to communism, others would follow, fueled US intervention in Vietnam. This fear, coupled with the perceived threat of communist expansionism, shaped American foreign policy and led to escalating involvement in the war.

The Early Years: French Indochina and the Rise of the Viet Cong

The documentary highlights the legacy of French colonialism in Indochina. France's defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 marked the end of French rule, but it also laid the groundwork for the Vietnam War. The Geneva Accords temporarily divided Vietnam along the 17th parallel, setting the stage for a future conflict. The episode explores the rise of the Viet Cong, the communist guerrilla force in South Vietnam, and their effective insurgency tactics. The Viet Cong’s intimate knowledge of the terrain and their ability to blend seamlessly with the civilian population proved challenging for the American military.

Answer Key Element: Explain the significance of the Geneva Accords and why they failed to achieve lasting peace. The Geneva Accords were flawed because they only established a temporary division, lacked enforcement mechanisms, and failed to address the underlying political and ideological divisions within Vietnam.

Escalation and the Kennedy Administration:

President John F. Kennedy inherited the Vietnam quagmire. "The Sixties" portrays Kennedy's gradual increase in military advisors and aid to South Vietnam. While initially hesitant to commit large numbers of ground troops, Kennedy's administration significantly increased US involvement. This escalating commitment, driven by the Domino Theory and Cold War anxieties, laid the foundation for the full-scale American intervention under Lyndon B. Johnson.

Answer Key Element: Analyze Kennedy's approach to Vietnam and discuss the limitations of his policies. Kennedy's policies, while aiming to contain communism, were ultimately insufficient to prevent the war's escalation. His limited commitment only served to prolong the conflict and solidify the US presence in Vietnam.

The Gulf of Tonkin Incident and the Johnson Administration:

The Gulf of Tonkin Incident in 1964, a still-debated event, provided President Lyndon B. Johnson with the pretext for significant escalation of the war. The alleged attacks by North Vietnamese forces on US destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, granting Johnson broad authority to take military action in Vietnam. This resolution effectively bypassed Congressional oversight and paved the way for the deployment of hundreds of thousands of American troops. "The Sixties" exposes the potential inaccuracies surrounding the incident and its political ramifications.

Answer Key Element: Assess the impact of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution on the Vietnam War and American domestic politics. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution fundamentally altered the course of the war, allowing Johnson to dramatically escalate military involvement without proper Congressional authorization, sparking widespread dissent and deepening the divide within American society.

The Tet Offensive and the Turning Point:

The Tet Offensive of 1968, a series of surprise attacks by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army during the Tet holiday, was a pivotal moment in the war. While a military defeat for the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong, the Tet Offensive was a strategic victory in terms of shaping public opinion. The graphic images of the fighting, broadcast on television, shocked the American public and exposed the war's brutality. This event shattered the perception of a "light at the end of the tunnel" and fueled growing anti-war sentiment.

Answer Key Element: Discuss the strategic and psychological consequences of the Tet Offensive. The Tet Offensive significantly altered public perception of the war. While a military defeat for North Vietnam, its psychological impact on the American public was immense, leading to widespread disillusionment and undermining support for the war.

The Anti-War Movement and its Impact:

"The Sixties" documents the burgeoning anti-war movement in the United States. The movement encompassed diverse groups, including students, activists, and veterans, united by their opposition to the war. The movement used various tactics, including protests, demonstrations, and civil disobedience, to challenge the government's policies. The documentary highlights influential figures within the movement and their impact on public discourse.

Answer Key Element: Analyze the key strategies and achievements of the anti-war movement. The anti-war movement effectively utilized non-violent protests, civil disobedience, and powerful media campaigns to sway public opinion against the war and put pressure on the government to end US involvement.

The My Lai Massacre and War Crimes:

The My Lai Massacre of 1968, where hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians were murdered by US soldiers, remains a dark stain on American history. "The Sixties" examines the massacre and its profound impact on both American public opinion and the image of the American military. The revelation of this atrocity fueled anti-war sentiment and raised serious questions about the morality and conduct of the war.

Answer Key Element: Explain the significance of the My Lai Massacre and its contribution to the anti-war movement. The My Lai Massacre was a turning point, not only revealing the horrific brutality of the war but also profoundly affecting public trust in the government's narrative and leading to a surge in the anti-war movement.

Vietnamization and the Withdrawal of US Troops:

President Richard Nixon's policy of Vietnamization, aimed to gradually withdraw American troops while supporting the South Vietnamese army, marked a shift in US strategy. "The Sixties" shows the process of withdrawal, the continuing violence, and the eventual fall of Saigon in 1975. The fall of Saigon signified the end of the war and the victory of North Vietnam, leaving behind a legacy of profound loss and lasting impact on both Vietnam and the United States.

Answer Key Element: Evaluate the effectiveness of Vietnamization and its consequences for Vietnam and the United States. Vietnamization aimed to shift responsibility for the war to South Vietnam but ultimately failed to prevent the communist victory. The consequences included immense loss of life and lingering political and social divisions in both countries.

The Legacy of the Vietnam War:

The Vietnam War left an indelible mark on American society. The documentary explores the lasting effects of the conflict, including the PTSD suffered by many veterans, the lingering divisions within American society, and the impact on American foreign policy. The war significantly challenged the nation's sense of self and its role in the world, influencing American political and cultural landscapes for decades to come.

Answer Key Element: Discuss the long-term domestic and international consequences of the Vietnam War. The war had profound and lasting impacts, including its effects on veteran's mental health, the continuing political polarization in the US, and the shaping of US foreign policy approaches towards military interventions.

This comprehensive answer key and analysis provides a framework for understanding the complexities of the Vietnam War as portrayed in CNN's "The Sixties." By exploring the key events, figures, and themes, students can gain a deeper appreciation for this pivotal moment in history and its enduring legacy. Remember to always consult the documentary itself and other reliable historical sources to further expand your understanding of this multifaceted and significant conflict.