Historical Background

Before we begin discussing the actual novel it's important you are knowledgeable about the Vietnam War. Use the internet or history textbooks to find the answers to the following questions.
Please write thoughtful, comprehensive answers. You'll need to write your answers on a sheet of paper since I will collect your individual papers after our class discussion.
This is due for class discussion on Tuesday, May 3, 2011.

1. When did the Vietnam War take place?

2. What is the significance of the Tonkin Gulf Resolution?

3. What does it mean that congress gave Johnson a blank check?

4. Why did the United States go to war with North Vietnam?

5. Describe the "Domino theory."

6. Who won that war? Specifically, who got what they wanted?

7. Define the term "draft."

8. Describe the differences between South Vietnam and North Vietnam before and during the war.

9. Describe the climate of Vietnam.

10. The Vietnam War caused major conflicts in the United States. Describe some of these conflicts.

11. Why was the "Tet offensive" a major turning point of the war?

12. How many Americans died in the Vietnam War?

13. How many Vietnamese died in the Vietnam War?

14. What is famous about My Lai?

15. Find Vietnam on a map. Name two countries that share a border with Vietnam.