Indochina After World War II

After the war, the French faced guerilla forces in their colony of Vietnam. The Vietnamese victory

at the battle of Dienbienphu forced the French to leave. Vietnam was then divided into

Communist and noncommunist sections. Guerilla fighters began operating in South Vietnam in

the early 1960s.

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The Cold WarSection 4: War in Southeast Asia

Witness History Audio: America’s Role in Vietnam

Note Taking Transparency 179

America Enters the Vietnam War

The U.S. first sent supplies and military advisors to the South Vietnamese government. Then it

sent hundreds of thousands of troops. The Soviets and Chinese sent aid but no troops to North

Vietnam. Guerilla fighters were closely allied with villagers and knew the jungles well. The Tet

Offensive changed public opinion over the war in the U.S.

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The Cold WarSection 4: War in Southeast Asia

Witness History Audio: The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War Ends

The mounting deaths brought growing opposition to the war in the U.S. The U.S. negotiated a

cease-fire and withdrew its troops with the understanding that South Vietnam would be able to

determine its own future. Two years later, North Vietnam conquered the South.

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The Cold WarSection 4: War in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia After the War

In Cambodia, Communist guerilla fighters known as the Khmer Rouge overthrew the

government. Dictator Pol Pot forced everyone to work in the fields and about a third of the

population died. Vietnam finally intervened and drove out the Khmer Rouge.

QuickTake Section Quiz

Progress Monitoring Transparency

The Cold War: Section 4Note Taking Transparency 179

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The Cold War: Section 4Progress Monitoring Transparency

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