Group Three Worksheet: Vietnam Conflict

1. Explain why, despite overwhelming military, economic, and technological superiority, the U.S. military effort failed to achieve its goals. Consider the following points:
   
   
   • the climate and terrain of Vietnam.
     
   • the effect of U.S. "search and destroy" tactics on the civilian population.
     
   • the U.S. strategy of "graduated response," or slow buildup of troops and intensity of combat in response to enemy actions.
     
   • usefulness of U.S. technology versus a "low-tech" opponent who met most of its military needs through supply by China and the U.S.S.R.
     
   • motivation of U.S. forces versus motivation of Vietnamese forces.
     
     
   
   
2. The U.S.-backed South Vietnamese government was corrupt and ineffective -- despite strenuous U.S. efforts to reform and strengthen it. Why? Consider these factors.
   
   
   • the reputation of Ho Chi Minh as a nationalist leader versus the reputations of such South Vietnamese leaders as Diem, Ky, and Thieu.
     
   • the priorities and interests of the U.S. in picking South Vietnamese leaders.
     
   • the priorities and interests of South Vietnamese leaders while in office.
     
   • the image of South Vietnamese leaders in the eyes of the people of South Vietnam.