The Bombing of North Vietnam
History: Cambridge International GCSE The Twentieth Century (Option B), topic 5.3.12
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.
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.
Operation Linebacker
- In retaliation, the US began heavy bombing in North Vietnam in April, including Hanoi and Haiphong.
- This was called Operation Linebacker.
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.
Test yourself on The Bombing of North Vietnam
Which two cities did Operation Linebacker target?