Vietnam War

The United States believed they would easily conquer the Vietcong due to their superior military technology, although the jungle terrain and the guerilla warfare tactics were misleading for American troops. U.S. troops had difficulty fighting because they couldn't tell who their enemies were. The Vietcong had intricate tunnel systems from which they would attack from and then retreat. These tunnels connected underneath villages, allowing the Vietcong access into secure areas. The Vietcong also had booby traps that scared U.S. troops because of their brutality. To counteract the Vietcong’s traps, the U.S. used napalm and Agent Orange to eliminate the home terrain advantage. U.S. soldiers used the cause of combating communism as a way to believe in fighting the war. The Nations Selective Service System was enabled during the Vietnam War. Some men that were drafted could bribe doctors or find other ways of becoming exempt from the draft. Women were not allowed to serve in combat, although over 10000 served as nurses during the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War started a free speech and protest movement, arguing against war.