The Vietnam War involved several key players, each with their own strategies. Here are the main players and their approaches:
United States: The United States, motivated by their containment policy and the fear of communism spreading in Southeast Asia, heavily invested in conventional warfare. They deployed a large number of troops, engaged in aerial bombardments, and implemented the search and destroy missions to disrupt the enemy's supply lines and establish control over regions.
North Vietnam: North Vietnam, led by Ho Chi Minh and supported by the Soviet Union and China, employed guerrilla warfare tactics. They utilized small units and hit-and-run tactics, targeting weaknesses in the American forces. Their strategy focused on wearing down the enemy and gaining popular support.
South Vietnam: The South Vietnamese government, backed by the United States, relied on conventional warfare and aimed to establish control over South Vietnam. They sought to combat the Viet Cong, a guerilla force, and maintain stability.
Viet Cong: The Viet Cong, the guerrilla force supported by North Vietnam, sought to unify Vietnam under communist rule. They blended in with the civilian population, taking advantage of the dense jungles and utilizing ambushes and traps to counter the American forces.