REASONS FOR US DEFEAT

SOLDIERS

Morale was low in the army Soldiers were conscripted at a very young

age Inexperienced, usually sent back to US after a

short time This meant soldiers in Vietnam were always

inexperienced. Soldiers were also not committed, there was

not much of an incentive.

LEADERSHIP

US military leaders were incompetent and had no experience in Vietnam

Couldn’t utilise US troops effectively High rank officers were constantly replaced

Poor leadership Overall, leadership in the US army was poor

during the war

AIRPOWER

The US used: Helicopters B52s Spy planes

These were used for carpet bombing, airlifting, dropping supplies and acquiring enemy positions.

There was a measure of success, but it was expensive and it also just strengthened the Vietnamese army’s resolve

PUBLIC OPINION

The first TV war The media showed the true nature of the war

to the general public Atrocities in My Lai, etc. were shown Exposed cruelty of American tactics

Showed taxpayers what they were paying for Stimulated peace protests, increased dove

influence.

BODY COUNT

North Vietnam: 1.1 million dead 600000 wounded

US: 58,193 killed 150000+ wounded

South Vietnam: 2500000 killed

The sheer amount of casualties increased dove influence on the home front

Troops were embarrassed at the slaughter, morale lowered.

DOMINO THEORY

The union between the USSR and China did not exist

This was confusing for the US who thought they were allied

Thought Vietnam was part of great “communist conspiracy”

TECHNOLOGY

Too much faith in modern technology This was ineffective against guerilla tactics of

north Vietnamese. Influenced public opinion – they questioned

whether the war was morally right High cost for advanced equipment, but at

little benefit to the war effort

CONCLUSION

The war was broadcast on TV and the media exposed the truth in the US war effort

Tax payers lost faith in the US ability to win the war

Peace movements among many groups in the US joined in protest against the war