Vietnam War - Key Dates and Figures

Which year did Ho Chi Minh declare Vietnam's independence from French rule?

• 1945

• 1954

• 1960

• 1963

Answer explanation

Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence from French rule on September 2, 1945, marking the end of colonial control and the beginning of a new era for the country.

In 1964, the Gulf of Tonkin incident occurred, leading to the passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This gave President Lyndon B. Johnson broad military powers in which country?

• Vietnam

• Korea

• Japan

• China

Answer explanation

The Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964 led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which granted President Johnson broad military powers specifically in Vietnam, escalating U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

______ was the U.S.-backed leader of South Vietnam, known for his anti-communist stance and unpopular domestic policies.

• Ho Chi Minh

• Ngo Dinh Diem

• John F. Kennedy

• Lyndon B. Johnson

Answer explanation

Ngo Dinh Diem was the U.S.-backed leader of South Vietnam, recognized for his strong anti-communist policies. However, his unpopular domestic policies led to significant unrest, distinguishing him from other figures like Ho Chi Minh.

Who was the U.S. President that increased U.S. involvement in Vietnam by sending military advisers and aid?

• Lyndon B. Johnson

• John F. Kennedy

• Dwight D. Eisenhower

• Richard Nixon

Answer explanation

John F. Kennedy was the U.S. President who significantly increased American involvement in Vietnam by sending military advisers and aid to support the South Vietnamese government against the communist insurgency.

The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution gave President Johnson the authority to use military force in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, passed in 1964, allowed President Johnson to take military action in Vietnam without needing a formal declaration of war, making the statement true.

The Domino Theory suggested that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow. This theory was introduced by ________.

• John F. Kennedy

• Lyndon B. Johnson

• Dwight D. Eisenhower

• Richard Nixon

Answer explanation

The Domino Theory was introduced by Dwight D. Eisenhower, emphasizing that the spread of communism in one nation could lead to its spread in neighboring countries, influencing U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.

Who was the Vietnamese communist leader who dreamed of a Vietnam free from French rule?

• Ngo Dinh Diem

• Ho Chi Minh

• Vo Nguyen Giap

• Le Duan

Answer explanation

Ho Chi Minh was the key figure in the Vietnamese struggle for independence from French colonial rule. He founded the Viet Minh and led efforts to establish a communist government, embodying the dream of a free Vietnam.

Under which banner did Ho Chi Minh urge the Vietnamese to march forward? Fill in the blank: Under the _______ banner, let us valiantly march forward!

• Vietcong

• SEATO

• Vietminh

• Domino Theory

Answer explanation

Ho Chi Minh urged the Vietnamese to unite under the Vietminh banner, which represented the struggle for independence against colonial rule. The other options, like SEATO and Domino Theory, are not related to his call for unity.

Why did the United States become involved in Vietnam?

• To support European colonialism

• To establish a new line of defense against communism

• To gain control over Southeast Asia

• To support Vietnamese independence.

Answer explanation

The U.S. became involved in Vietnam primarily to establish a new line of defense against communism, fearing its spread in Southeast Asia, rather than to support colonialism or independence.

In the 1800s, French military forces established control over Indochina, a region that includes the modern countries of Vietnam, Cambodia, and ____.

• Thailand

• Laos

• Myanmar

• Malaysia

Answer explanation

In the 1800s, French forces controlled Indochina, which includes Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Thailand, Myanmar, and Malaysia were not part of this colonial region, making Laos the correct answer.