Guerilla Warfare & War of Attrition
Guerilla warfare refers to small battles where groups of stealthy fighters use surprise to destroy the opponent. It was widely used by the Northern Vietnamese communists, also known as Vietcong. They would pose as regular citizens or farmers, and when least expected sneak up on unaware U.S. troops attack them and leave before they could be captured. Their surprise attack artillery was provided by the President of the Democratic republic of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. He also ordered that an elaborate 200 mile tunnel be dug to help the guerilla fighters, letting them move easily from place to place undetected by U.S. troops.
As America fought through the war, they thought it to be won by more traditional methods. Meaning they thought to win by land gain, however with the unfamiliar terrain they realized they would need to win by way of a different method. The war of attrition, the war would be won by whichever side killed more opposing troops The America troops were very successful, killing over twice the soldiers they’d lost. However this method angered other peaceful groups because it meant killing civilians as well. This sparked many riots through out the U.S.
As America fought through the war, they thought it to be won by more traditional methods. Meaning they thought to win by land gain, however with the unfamiliar terrain they realized they would need to win by way of a different method. The war of attrition, the war would be won by whichever side killed more opposing troops The America troops were very successful, killing over twice the soldiers they’d lost. However this method angered other peaceful groups because it meant killing civilians as well. This sparked many riots through out the U.S.