Choose a factor and weigh it against the others.
Which factor best explains the American failure?
North Vietnamese determination
- Hanoi absorbed huge losses without giving up.
- It controlled its own strategy and timing.
The USA could not break an opponent willing to fight indefinitely.
Determination alone needed outside supplies and a safe base.
South Vietnam's weakness
- Diem's repression alienated many southerners.
- Unstable governments followed his overthrow in 1963.
The USA was propping up a state that lacked broad support.
South Vietnam fought hard at times, for example during Tet.
Limits of American strategy
- Fear of China stopped an invasion of the North.
- Bombing did not stop supplies down the trail.
A limited war could not defeat an opponent fighting a total one.
Escalating further risked a much wider war.
American public opinion
- Tet shattered confidence in 1968.
- Nixon had to withdraw troops to keep support.
Domestic pressure forced the USA to leave before Saigon could stand alone.
Opinion turned partly because the war was not being won.