The changing international order 1918–1975 - Cold War confrontations and…

The idea

This topic asks you to explain two sets of tactics used in the Vietnam War and the consequences of each. For US tactics, think about bombing campaigns, the use of chemical defoliants and napalm, search-and-destroy missions, helicopter mobility and the strategic hamlet programme. Their consequences include heavy civilian casualties, loss of rural support, damage to land and jungle, and growing anti-war feeling. For Vietcong tactics, think about guerrilla warfare, ambush, booby traps, tunnel networks, close ties with villagers and use of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Their consequences include US forces being unable to pin down an enemy, stretched supply lines, and political damage to the US cause. A good answer links each tactic to a specific result rather than listing tactics alone.

What earns the marks

• Links a named US tactic such as bombing or search-and-destroy missions to a specific consequence for the war effort.
• Explains how Vietcong guerrilla tactics such as ambush or booby traps made US forces struggle to locate and defeat the enemy.
• Identifies a consequence of chemical defoliants or napalm, such as civilian casualties or damage to land and crops.
• Describes how Vietcong tunnel networks or the Ho Chi Minh Trail helped the Vietcong sustain and supply their forces.
• Connects a tactic to its effect on civilian support or on opposition to the war within the USA.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Lists tactics without stating any consequence.

  Put it right: Add a clear result for each tactic named.

• Treats all consequences as military only.

  Put it right: Include political and social effects such as civilian casualties or anti-war feeling.

• Confuses which side used a tactic.

  Put it right: Check whether the tactic belongs to US forces or the Vietcong before linking it to a consequence.

Exam tips

• Read the question to see whether it asks about US tactics, Vietcong tactics or both, and answer only that part.
• For each tactic you choose, write one sentence naming the tactic and one sentence giving its consequence.
• Use precise vocabulary such as guerrilla warfare, defoliant and search-and-destroy rather than vague words like 'fighting'.