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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The ARVN commanders feel ____________ to the forces of the Vietcong.

2. President Diem's younger brother, Ngo Dinh Nhu, is relied upon for his military and political advise despite the fact he has a(n) _______________ dependency.

3. Which of the following cities is the site of the Vietnamese imperial palace?

4. John Paul Vann admires the "peasant army" of the South Vietnamese, citing these two traits as particularly endearing:

5. How many ARVN helicopters are downed by the VC forces during the battle?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the preliminary intelligence report given by Jim Drummond and the eavesdroppers in the Otters concerning the size and capabilities of the VC force at Ap Bac?

2. In what ways does John Paul Vann interact with his superior officers during his assignment to Vietnam?

3. In what ways does John Paul Vann's life embody the spirit of the United States in the Vietnam War?

4. From this brief vignette of the funeral of John Paul Vann, what facts can we glean about his life and personality?

5. Why is the use of terminology in reference to Ho Chi Minh's forces important for the Americans and South Vietnamese to establish?

6. What are some of the reasons why the South Vietnamese people as a whole do not rally behind the Americans?

7. In 1962, what is the United States' stated primary role in Vietnam?

8. Briefly describe who the National Liberation Front (NLF) are.

9. Why is General Huynh Van Cao's chief-of-staff, Lt. Colonel Bui Dinh Dam, selected, even though he is a North Vietnamese and General Huynh Van Cao is a general for the South?

10. What other significant figures are introduced during this introductory section of the book? List two or three of them.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At least five United States' Presidents attempted to deal with the situation in Vietnam. Which presidents were involved and how did each one approach the problems created by the U.S. military (or advisory) operations in Vietnam? In your opinion, which president's approach was best in your opinion and why?

Essay Topic 2

The Vietnam War era is one characterized by controversy and uncertainty. What were some of the reasons why the U.S. military's efforts in Vietnam were seen in such a negative light "back home" in America? Why was there growing pressure to end the war and bring the troops home? What were some of the contributing factors that caused America to finally end their presence in Vietnam?

Essay Topic 3

Besides the Battle of Ap Bac, the text cites the Tet Offensives of 1968 as a significant point in the Vietnam War. Please explain the following: What were the Tet Offensives? Why were they reported as successful? In what way did the Vietcong's attack plan change from their overall strategy for the war? Do you think this gamble paid off for the VC military commanders? How were these attacks reported by the American media?

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