29. Vietnam and the End of the Cold War Consensus, 1961

Quiz for Making Historical Arguments: Why Couldn’t American Bombing Achieve Victory in Vietnam?

Choose the best answer to each question. Click the “submit” button for each question to turn in your work.

1. According to the authors, how did bombing during the Vietnam War differ from bombing campaigns during World War II?

There were fewer civilian casualties during the strategic bombing campaign in Vietnam.

Because of the development of new military technology, there were many more civilian casualties during the bombing campaign in Vietnam.

During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military used bombing only in a very limited capacity.

Americans supported bombing campaigns during World War II but mostly opposed them during the Vietnam War.

2. What was the position of U.S. military officials regarding the use of airpower and bombing in North Vietnam?

They agreed with President Johnson’s strategy.

They supported all-out bombing to bring North Vietnam to its knees.

They hoped to avoid doing too much damage to civilian infrastructure in Vietnam.

They feared retaliation from the Soviet Union if they were not careful in their strategy.

3. Why was President Johnson in favor of limiting the use of airpower?

He hoped to avoid upsetting the American people.

He wanted to limit the cost of the war.

He wanted to avoid provoking China or the Soviet Union.

He believed it would limit the number of American casualties.

4. What were the roles of China and the Soviet Union during the conflict in Vietnam?

They stayed out of the conflict to avoid upsetting the United States.

The Chinese hoped to take over Vietnam after the conflict ended.

They tentatively supported the United States and worked for stability in Southeast Asia.

They provided food, supplies, and munitions to the North Vietnamese.

5. Which of the following is an example of the North Vietnamese response to American bombing?

North Vietnam surrendered quickly to avoid any further damage and destruction.

North Vietnam responded with its own bombing campaign against South Vietnam.

North Vietnamese citizens protested their government’s actions and demanded an end to the war.

Farmers and laborers kept the Ho Chi Minh Trail usable.