Why did the USA lose the Vietnam War?

Title: Why did the USA lose the Vietnam War? Labels: Vietnam_War


Look back at your answers to your homework that was assigned on April 30, The U.S. struggles against the Communist in Vietnam. Your answers will be very useful for this summary activity.

Why did the USA lose the Vietnam War?

The Americans did not lose purely for military reasons. There were other factors as well.

Write an explanation AND cite a source from the reading that shows the importance of the following six factors:

1. US military tactics in Vietnam
The US used tactics in et Vietnam war that included dropping bombs. To avoid the effects of American air tactics the Vietcong built underground tunnels (source 36).

2. The unpopularity of the South Vietnamese regime
Although the US had criticized Stalin for not holding free elections, they did not want an election in South Vietnam because it seemed likely that a communist would have won (source 34).

3. The experience of the Viet Cong and the inexperience of the American soldiers

The term of duty in Vietnam was one year for US soldiers. Many soldiers died quickly or left after the year before they really became good soldiers. ALso, many of the recruits were 19 years old. Some soldiers scored so low on intelligence tests that they normally would not have been allowed to join the army (source 43).

4. Domestic opposition to the war in the U.S.
Americans were horrified by the use of chemical weapons like napalm to destroy villages and people. The US public did not condone the war (source 46).

5. Chinese and Soviet support for the Viet Cong
The Chinese and the Soviets kept the Viet Cong well supplied with weapons. The Viet Cong had the support of the Chinese (source 38).

6. 'But did they really lose?' Summarize the argument put forward in Source 57, and your view on it.
The argument is source 57 essentially claims that the US did not lose any significant military battle, and the Fall of Saigon happened after the US had left and consisted of only Vietnamese soldiers, so therefore the US did not really lose the Vietnamese war. While I agree that technically, the US did not lose the war, I don't think it is particularly important, as the US still completely failed at what it set out to do. The war was disastrous for the US and served as proof that containment was a failure.

Add other if you think there are factors you should consider.