The War in Vietnam vs. The American Revolution

1
The War in Vietnam vs.The American Revolution

• A study of the parallels between these conflicts

2
In both

• a world power fought against a weaker emerging
  nation
• fought on soil of weaker nation, allowing that
  nation home field advantage
• know geography
• easier access to supplies
• moral support from local population

3
In both..

• supply lines for stronger nation are an ocean
  wide, creating difficulty in providing for troops
• World powers advanced training and equipment not
  always effective in defeating smaller, weaker
  rebel forces

4
In both

• world powers military leaders defeated numerous
  times, damaging their reputations for military
  leadership
• guerrilla tactics (hit and run sneak attacks)
  effective against superpower nation

5
Notice

• guerrilla tactics used almost entirely in ground
  warfare in Vietnam
• Supported by air strikes, chemical warfare
• guerrilla tactics used far less in the American
  Revolution--less than half the time, mostly in
  the South
• most fighting conducted in traditional row on row
  style

6
In both

• Weaker nations get aid from enemies of
  superpowers
• France, Spain help emerging U.S. in 1780s
• U.S.S.R., China help emerging Vietnam in 1960s,
  70s

7
In both

• wartime economies strong, followed by huge debts,
  for both emerging nations and superpowers
• wars become unpopular with superpower populations
• Note American anti-war movement in 1960s, 70s
  Make love, not war!

8
Notice

• Americans declared independence from, not war on,
  the British in 1776
• Americans never declared war on Vietnam in the
  20th century
• Vietnam was engaged in a war which divided its
  country Americas Revolution united the states

9
Ask an adult

• Why did Americans lose the War in Vietnam?
• Maybe you will recognize their response
• Maybe they will challenge the question!