Question 1

Why did the US get involved in Vietnam?

Accepted Answer

The US got involved to contain the spread of communism, as part of the Cold War policy of containment. After France withdrew from Indochina in 1954, the US feared that a communist takeover of South Vietnam would lead to other Southeast Asian countries falling like dominoes (the 'domino theory'). Initially, the US provided military advisors, but under President Johnson, it escalated to full-scale war after the Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964).

Question 2

What were the main achievements of the civil rights movement?

Accepted Answer

Key achievements include the Civil Rights Act (1964), which outlawed segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination; the Voting Rights Act (1965), which eliminated barriers to voting for African Americans; and the Brown v. Board of Education ruling (1954), which declared segregated schools unconstitutional. These legal victories were won through non-violent protests like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, which pressured the federal government to act.

Question 3

How did the Vietnam War affect American society?

Accepted Answer

The Vietnam War deeply divided American society. It sparked a massive anti-war movement, especially among students and young people, who protested against the draft and the morality of the war. The war also eroded trust in government, as officials were caught lying about progress (e.g., the Pentagon Papers). Additionally, the war's high cost (over 58,000 US deaths and billions of dollars) led to economic problems and diverted funds from domestic programmes like Johnson's Great Society.

Question 4

What was the significance of the Tet Offensive?

Accepted Answer

The Tet Offensive (January 1968) was a surprise attack by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces on South Vietnamese cities, including the US embassy in Saigon. Although it was a military failure for the communists (they suffered heavy losses), it was a psychological and political victory. It shocked the American public, who had been told the war was nearly won, and led to increased anti-war sentiment. It also prompted President Johnson to halt bombing and announce he would not seek re-election.

Question 5

Why did Martin Luther King Jr. oppose the Vietnam War?

Accepted Answer

Martin Luther King Jr. opposed the Vietnam War for several reasons. He believed it was morally wrong and that the US was using violence to suppress a nationalist movement. He also argued that the war diverted resources from domestic poverty programmes, disproportionately affecting African Americans. In his 1967 speech 'Beyond Vietnam', he linked the civil rights movement to the anti-war movement, stating that the US needed a 'revolution of values'.

Question 6

What was the Black Power movement?

Accepted Answer

The Black Power movement emerged in the mid-1960s as a more militant alternative to the non-violent civil rights movement. It emphasised racial pride, self-determination, and economic empowerment. Key groups included the Black Panther Party, which advocated for armed self-defence and community programmes. While controversial, Black Power raised awareness of systemic racism and inspired cultural movements like 'Black is Beautiful'. It also led to divisions within the broader civil rights movement.

The USA, 1954–75: conflict at home and abroad

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

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How to Revise The USA, 1954–75: conflict at home and abroad — Edexcel GCSE History

Key Marking Points

The USA, 1954–75: conflict at home and abroad

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the US get involved in Vietnam?

What were the main achievements of the civil rights movement?

How did the Vietnam War affect American society?

What was the significance of the Tet Offensive?

Why did Martin Luther King Jr. oppose the Vietnam War?

What was the Black Power movement?

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in EDEXCEL GCSE History

British America, 1713–83: empire and revolution

Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88

Conflict in the Middle East, 1945–95

British America, 1713–83: empire and revolution