5.3.12

The Bombing of North Vietnam

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The Bombing of North Vietnam, 1972

In March 1972 the North attacked and completely surprised the US, but the ARVN eventually managed to repel the invasion with US air support.

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Surprise attack

  • In March 1972, 120,000 North Vietnamese troops plus VC and other guerrilla fighters attacked three different bases in South Vietnam.
  • The attack completely surprised the US but the ARVN eventually managed to repel the invasion with US air support.
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Operation Linebacker

  • In retaliation, the US began heavy bombing in North Vietnam in April, including Hanoi and Haiphong.
  • This was called Operation Linebacker.
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Results

  • The US dropped mines on Haiphong harbour.
  • The US blocked Chinese and Soviet ships from entering North Vietnamese waters.
  • This destroyed most of the North’s war industry, supply routes, and communication networks.
  • As a result, China and the USSR urged North Vietnam to seek peace.

Jump to other topics

1Was the Treaty of Versailles Fair?

2Was the League of Nations a Success?

3How did Hitler's Foreign Policy Impact the War?

4Who was to Blame for the Cold War?

5Did the US Contain the Spread of Communism?

6How was USSR's Control Over Eastern Europe?

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