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Year 11 - History

Vietcong resistance

The USA, 1954–75 conflict at home and abroad

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils study a modern society and the issues that affected it in great depth over a shorter period. They learn about the key events, developments, people and stories that shaped this modern society over a period of around twenty to thirty years.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the aims and methods of the Vietcong.

Key Notes

  • The Vietcong were a guerilla group opposed to Diem's government in South Vietnam.
  • The Strategic Hamlets Program was created by Diem's government to combat the Vietcong.
  • US President, John F. Kennedy, increased America's involvement in Vietnam.
  • Diem was assassinated because of his repressive policies, such as the Strategic Hamlets Program.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • regime: a regime is a government, especially an authoritarian one, which enforces strict obedience at the expense of personal freedom
  • hamlet: a hamlet is a small settlement, generally smaller than a village
  • Vietcong: the Vietcong were the communist guerilla group who opposed the South Vietnam army (the ARVN) and US forces with the help of North Vietnam
  • guerilla: a guerilla is a member of a small, loosely-organised army that fights a larger, stronger force and uses surprise tactics

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • There is often confusion between guerilla and gorilla!

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

The Vietcong were a guerilla group opposed to Diem's government in South Vietnam. The Strategic Hamlets Program was created by Diem's government to combat the Vietcong.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'regime'

a regime is a government, especially an authoritarian one, which enforces strict obedience at the expense of personal freedom.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: There is often confusion between guerilla and gorilla! Correction: Same sound, different spelling, very different meaning! 'Guerilla' comes from the Spanish word 'guerra', meaning 'war'.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 11 History guide library.