HISET Social Studies Practice

What was the primary cause of the Vietnam War?

1. A prolonged conflict between North and South Vietnam

2. Dispute over trade routes in Asia

3. Colonial resistance against imperial powers

4. Support from European nations for both sides

The correct answer is: A prolonged conflict between North and South Vietnam

The primary cause of the Vietnam War was indeed a prolonged conflict between North and South Vietnam. After World War II, Vietnam sought independence from French colonial rule, leading to the First Indochina War. The subsequent division of Vietnam into North Vietnam, which was communist and supported by the Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, which was a non-communist state backed by the United States, created a significant ideological and political rift. This division escalated into a civil war-like situation as both sides sought to unify Vietnam under their respective governments. The North aimed to spread communism, while the South, with U.S. support, aimed to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. Therefore, the conflict was driven by this rivalry and the desire for control over Vietnam itself, making it the central focus of the Vietnam War. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of the conflict as the main driving force was the internal struggle between the North and South rather than external factors like trade disputes or colonial resistance. While there were elements of imperialism and resistance to it, the specific, direct cause of the Vietnam War was the rivalry within Vietnam, reflecting its internal political dynamics.