The My Lai Massacre and Its Impact Flashcards

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When and where did the My Lai massacre take place?

It took place on 16 March 1968 in the village of My Lai in South Vietnam.

Who carried out the My Lai massacre and what were they sent to do?

US soldiers from Charlie Company, led by Lieutenant William Calley, were sent on a search-and-destroy mission to find and kill Vietcong fighters.

Who were the victims at My Lai and about how many people were killed?

The victims were unarmed South Vietnamese civilians, mostly women, children and old men. Between 300 and 500 people were killed.

What happened to the villagers during the My Lai massacre?

Villagers were rounded up, many were shot at close range, some women were raped, and homes, crops and animals were destroyed.

Who was Hugh Thompson and what did he do at My Lai?

Hugh Thompson was a US helicopter pilot who landed his helicopter between the soldiers and the villagers, threatened to fire on the US troops if they kept killing, and helped rescue some survivors.

How did the US Army first describe what had happened at My Lai?

The Army first claimed that US troops had killed more than 100 Vietcong guerrillas in a battle and that only a small number of civilians had died by accident.

How did the truth about the My Lai massacre become public?

A former soldier, Ronald Ridenhour, wrote letters to US leaders, and in 1969 journalist Seymour Hersh and shocking photographs taken by an Army photographer exposed the real events to the world.

What was the result of Lieutenant William Calley’s trial?

In 1971 Calley was found guilty of murdering 22 civilians and given a life sentence, but President Nixon later reduced it and Calley spent only a few years under house arrest.

How did the My Lai massacre affect US public opinion about the Vietnam War?

Many Americans were shocked and disgusted, so trust in the war fell and support for the anti-war movement and demands to bring US troops home grew.

How did My Lai affect people’s view of America’s claim to be fighting a moral war?

Because US soldiers had killed innocent civilians, many people no longer believed that America was fighting only to defend freedom and democracy in Vietnam.

How did the My Lai massacre affect US efforts to win ‘hearts and minds’ in South Vietnam?

It made many South Vietnamese fear and distrust US troops, which helped the Vietcong gain support and made it harder for the USA to win local backing.

How did media coverage of My Lai change reporting on the Vietnam War?

After My Lai, journalists were more likely to question official Army reports and to show the brutal reality of the war, which increased criticism of US actions.

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