The military history of the American side of the war involved different strategies over the years. The bombing campaigns of the Air Force were tightly controlled by the White House for political reasons, and until 1972 avoided the main Northern cities of Hanoi and Haiphong and concentrated on bombing jungle supply trails, especially the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The most controversial Army commander was William Westmoreland whose strategy involved systematic defeat of all enemy forces in the field, despite heavy American casualties that alienated public opinion back home. COUNT 5
QSN1 What two northern Vietnamese cities did the US avoid bombing at the outset of the war? ANS1 Hanoi and Haiphong QSN2 What was the major supply trail for the Northern Vietnamese forces? ANS2 the Ho Chi Minh Trail QSN3 What US commander's strategy caused a loss of public opinion in the US? ANS3 William Westmoreland QSN4 Who helped orchestrate bombing campaigns in the Vietnam War? ANS4 the White House QSN5 When did the US start bombing Hanoi? ANS5 1972