Why did US bomb Vietnam?

Operation Rolling Thunder, the United States’ sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam during the mid-1960s, aimed to demoralize and degrade the country’s government and people. The campaign was blunted by rigid targeting restrictions—in some cases, imposed directly by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Was there any bombing in the Vietnam War?

Over 7.5 million tons of bombs were dropped by the US and its allied nations during the Vietnam War. Was this strategic bombing effective or a waste of lives and resources? During the Vietnam War there were four standalone strategic bombing campaigns, lasting from just a matter of days to several years.

What bomb did US drop on Vietnam?

The United States lost 15 of its giant B-52s and 11 other aircraft during the attacks. North Vietnam claimed that over 1,600 civilians were killed. The bombings continued until December 29, at which time the North Vietnamese agreed to resume the talks.

Why did bombing not work in Vietnam?

The bombing campaign failed because the bombs often fell into empty jungle, missing their targets. The North Vietnamese guerrillas knew the jungle and made use of elaborate underground bases and tunnels to shelter from US bombs, and often re-used unexploded American bombs against US soldiers.

When did the US stop bombing Vietnam?

President Lyndon Johnson meets at the White House with military advisers before announcing a complete halt to all bombardment of North Vietnam on Oct. 31, 1968.

Did the U.S. win the Vietnam War?

Those who argue that the United States won the war point to the fact that the U.S. defeated communist forces during most of Vietnam’s major battles. They also assert that the U.S. overall suffered fewer casualties than its opponents. The U.S. military reported 58,220 American casualties.

How many bombs were dropped in Vietnam compared to ww2?

“23 No source is cited. In fact the United States dropped 8 million tons of bombs in Indochina between 1962 and 1973, compared with a total of around 4 million tons dropped by all the warring nations in the Second World War.

How many bombs are still in Vietnam?

Despite the war ending in 1975, it is estimated that there are still at least 350,000 tons of live bombs and mines remaining in Vietnam alone, with Cambodia also heavily affected and Laos suffering more than either country. At the current rate, it will take 300 years to clear all the explosives from the landscape.