War Essay, Research Paper
In my opinion the Vietnam War was a terrible experience for both of the fighting sides. In this war both of the fighting sides lost huge amounts of troops, warfare, and civilian lives. The ideas and beliefs of people around the world about the Vietnam War are very different because of the controversy over this issue. The Vietnam War brought the United States shame and disgrace in the eyes of the outside world and the citizens of United States. The Vietnam War is a stain on the United States history. This stain still remains on the American flag after twenty-five years.
Perhaps the greatest impact of the Vietnam War was left on the American citizen. Many of these citizens had shown their strong emotions against the war from the very beginning. The National Guard shootings in the Kent State diseaster is an example of how most people felt about the Vietnam War. There was a sense of distrust between the government and the people. The actions and the orders made by the government were mostly against the public s opinion and this caused a great sense of hostility and distrust towards the American government by its people. The Vietnam War was a product of the American culture. As Colonel Zeb B. Bradford said:
The great strength of US fighting forces historically has been precisely that they have exploited their peculiarly American qualities and attributes. Highly mechanized and technical warfare reinforces our tendencies and talents and serves as a vehicle for evolutionary advance-counterinsurgency goes against the grain. We are a rich, industrial, urban country. Highly technical forces are compatible with our characteristics and resources. (Page 321, BackFire)
For more than a century the United States has been playing a peacemaker in the western countries and especially the so-called third World Nations . This is what got us into the Spanish war, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Americans have always had this view towards other countries and this is almost mixed within our culture. The Vietnam War acted as a catalyst for a change in this view. The images shown by the media, the Television, the Newspapers, the magazine headlines and articles provoked the nation’s anger and turned the streets and colleges into chaos. After the war many Americans stopped supporting the United States influence of other nations.
One of the groups who are affected the most by the Vietnam War are the veterans who fought in the war. Upon returning from Vietnam American soldiers received a cold welcome from the public. It stemmed from a deep hatred felt by many Americans for the war and the way it ended. This made many veterans feel alienated.
It s a big army, this legion of men with hidden wounds. Dr. John P. Wilson, a Cleveland State University psychologist who recently completed a three-year study of the War s aftereffects, says that P.T.S.D. afflicts 500,000 of Vietnam s combat veterans. Other researchers put the number at 700,000 which would give a psychiatric casualty rate among combatants of 50 to70 percent. (Page 107, The Vietnam War)
These people fought for months and years in the swamps and rice paddies of Vietnam. They had to fight in conditions unknown and certainly uncomfortable to them, and worst of all these soldiers had to face the battles each day. The landscape doesn t change much. For days and days you see just about nothing. It s unfamiliar-always unfamiliar. Even when you go back to the same place, it s unfamiliar. And it makes you feel as though, well, there s nothing left in the world but this. (Page 36, Home From the War). Surviving in these conditions and seeing several dead bodies each day (sometimes knowing who the bodies belonged to) was awfully harsh for these nineteen, twenty year olds.
In some views Vietnam was a victory for communism and a defeat for the United States. The Soviet Union and the United States have had conflicts over Southeast Asia for decades. The South East Asian countries are mostly wanted for their raw material and their agriculture South East Asia is the so-called rice Bowl which helps to feed the densely populated region that extends from India to Japan. It is rich in many raw materials, such as tin, oil, rubber, and iron ore. It offers industrial Japan potentially important markets and sources of raw materials. This area also has great strategic value. Southeast Asia is astride the most direct and best developed sea and air routes between the control of Southeast Asia. (Page 20, The Vietnam War)
We fail miserably to understand the people, cultures and histories of other nations. In the Vietnam War there was very little communication between the United States and the Vietnamese forces and Vietnamese citizens. These two nations were simply unfamiliar with each other. All US officials-those who needed to know most-lived in little Americas Villas or compounds fenced in with barbed wire and defense posts. The most blatant forms of racism were spawned in a them against us attitude shared by nearly every American. Little or no respect was ever shown by the foreigners to Vietnamese customs, traditions, religious beliefs or values. (Page 155 The Vietnam War)
I think that after the Vietnam war the approach of the United States to other countries changed. The United States policy became less involved in some of the international matters and I believe that this is due to better understanding of the different cultures.
The Vietnam War drastically changed the course of American History. The American policies on foreign affairs, domestic politics, and cultural and social history were greatly changed by this event.
For many, the Vietnam War and the conflict, changes, and divisions it caused in the United States is the defining event of the later part of this century. Twenty years later, we still see and feel the effects of the war. At the end we try to figure out the mistakes we made and try not to repeat them. Fortunately, the Vietnam War had some positive impacts on the policy and the attitude of the United States inside and outside the country.
Другие работы по теме:
The US Involvement In Vietnam And The
Philippines Essay, Research Paper The US involvement in Vietnam and The Philippines Introduction Ever since the ?New Imperialist? era, the United States of America has become quite a large Neo-Imperialist power, particularly in The Philippines and also Vietnam. In order to understand this report the term Neo-Imperialism must be explained, this is when one country gives aid to another country in which the country that recieves aid becomes independent on the helping country.
Vietnam War Essay Research Paper The discussion
Vietnam War Essay, Research Paper The discussion of the Vietnam War and its affect on Americans. In this regard, the opinions and experiences of those who fought in the war, as well as those who stayed at
Vietnam Essay Research Paper Harold
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper Harold “Light Bulb” Bryant’s portrayals of life in the Vietnam War offend the human race. Not so much the actions Bryant displayed, but the demeanor of the U.S. armed forces. Through Bryant’s stories one comes to the conclusion that war made these people completely mad, and lost every bit of morality.
U.S.A Was Unable To Win The Vietnam
War Because… Essay, Research Paper The U.S.A was unable to win the Vietnam War because they realised too late that the real war in Vietnam was not a military one but a political one.
In 1969 The Plane Came Back Essay
, Research Paper In Kathryn L. Scott?s paper ?In 1969 The Plane Came Back? she addresses the issue of the affect of the Vietnam war on those who served in it.
Logical Intervention In Vietna Essay Research Paper
Logical Intervention in Vietnam American military intervention in Vietnam has always been a highly controversial issue. Many Americans were against intervention in Vietnam. Many Americans question rather the United States should have ever sent troops to Southeast Asia, and if intervention was the correct action, based on foreign policy and bipartisan ideas.
Australia In The VIetnam War Essay Research
Paper The only time Australia has come under direct attack from another country, was when Japan bombed Darwin and sunk a number of ships in Sydney, during World War 2. The question then has
Vietnam Essay Research Paper Vietnam is a
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper Vietnam is a country 9000 miles away from the United States. Yet America felt that its national interest to protect the peace in south Asia and stop communist was threatened strongly enough to fight a war there. Therefore, American considered that the establishment of the “Iron Curtain” of Europe must be stopped to happen again in Asia.
Vietnam Essay Research Paper The Life of
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper The Life of Vietnam Here in America we see that our lives are already complicated but the lives of the Vietnamese people are far worse. The things that we take for granted are considered privileges in Vietnam, such as air conditioning, toilets, and electricity. Another thing that we take for granted is our education systems.
My Experience Essay Research Paper To whom
My Experience Essay, Research Paper To whom that cares!!! At this moment when i am sitting down here writting this, I suddenly think of this time last year when I was fresh out of highschool, hearing about Berea for the first time. I sent my application to Berea with lots of confidence and hope, and I knew I was not accepted.
How Important Was The My Lai Massacre
In Generating Support For The Peace Protest Movement? Essay, Research Paper The Peace Protest Movement was a time in the Vietnam war when people disagreed with it. This was because of a number of things. The amount of money it was costing, The amount of people killed, but it originated largely from the massacre at My Lai.
Vietnam Essay Research Paper Ethnic Groups Vietnam
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper Ethnic Groups Vietnam’s population is relatively homogeneous. As much as 90 percent of the people are ethnic Vietnamese, descendents of the people who settled in the Red River Delta thousands of years ago. Ethnic Chinese constitute the largest minority group. Other important minorities are the Khmer and the Cham.
Short Summary Of Vietnam Essay Research Paper
Vietnam was a struggle which, in all honesty, the United States should never have been involved in. North Vietnam was battling for ownership of South Vietnam, so that they would be a unified communist nation. To prevent the domino effect and the further spread of communism, the U.S. held on to the Truman Doctrine and stood behind the South Vietnamese leader, Diem.
Vietnam Essay Research Paper Vietnam should the
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper Vietnam: should the U.S. have been involved? The Vietnam War created a great deal of controversy in America. Did America really have to sacrifice thousands of lives and millions of dollars? Was it America s duty to be involved in Vietnams affairs? Questions such as these are what derived such a constant debate during the time of the Vietnam War.
Vietnam America
’s First Rock-And-Roll War Essay, Research Paper Vietnam: America?s First Rock-and-Roll War The Vietnam War could not compare to any other war the United States had seen
American Dream Of The Soldiers Of The
Vietnam War Essay, Research Paper ?When we first got here–all of us–we were real young and innocent, full of romantic bullshit, but we learned pretty damn quick.? This quote was extracted from the
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Afflicting Vietnam Veterans
Essay, Research Paper Post Traumatic Stress Disorder afflicts a number of vietnam veterans who suffered extremely traumatic, and often consistent, experiences in the vietnam war. Many who do not understand the disorder at all view PTSD(post traumatic stress disorder) as an elaborate diagnosis for a vague set of symptoms that would otherwise be associated with other psycological problems.
Americas Political Legacy Essay Research Paper Websters
Americas Political Legacy Essay, Research Paper Webster?s Dictionary defines legacy as ?anything handed down from an ancestor, predecessor, or earlier era.? Legacy is something that has been passed on, something that teaches, something that is embraces a person or society and aids them through life with knowledge and a proven system.
Vietnam Essay Research Paper Since during the
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper Since during the Vietnam War there has been debate on whether the United States was right to become involved in the conflict. Some say that we were wrong to become involved in what was an internal conflict among the people of Vietnam. Others feel that we followed the natural course and that involvement was not only wrong, but also justified.
Platoon Truth Or Fiction Essay Research Paper
The Vietnam War was a military struggle fought in Vietnam from 1959 to 1975. It began as a determined attempt by Communist society (called Vietcong) in the South, backed by Communist North Vietnam, to overthrow the government of South Vietnam. The struggle widened into a war between South Vietnam and North Vietnam and eventually into an international conflict.
Vietnam Essay Research Paper Against the celebrated
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper -Against the celebrated and glorious backdrop of American history, the Vietnam War stands ghastly out of place. The war was an exercise in economic, military, and political futility. The greatest tragedy of the Vietnam War, however, stems from the unnecessary deaths of 58 000 young American boys and the installment of terror, mistrust, and sorrow in those who found a way to survive in an inferno where the laws of man were obsolete.
Vietnam In Remission Essay Research Paper The
Vietnam In Remission Essay, Research Paper The legacy of the American involvement in the Vietnam War is a memory that will live on forever. After reading the book titled Vietnam in Remission by James F. Veninga and Harry A. Wilmer, my first statement has been strengthened ten-fold because of the deep persuasiveness and informative nature of this book.
Lincoln
’s Legacy Essay, Research Paper Lincoln’s Legacy A legacy is something that is passed down from a predecessor. Lincoln’s legacy is the teachings that he had wanted all of us, as American citizens, to
Antiwar Movment In Vietnam Essay Research Paper
The antiwar movement against Vietnam in the US from 1965-1971 was the most significant movement of its kind in the nation’s history. The United States first became directly involved in Vietnam in 1950 when President Harry Truman started to underwrite the costs of France’s war against the Viet Minh. Later, the presidencies of Dwight Eisenhower and John F.
Desert Storm Compare And Contrast To Vietnam
War Essay, Research Paper Desert Storm and Vietnam were portrayed in the media are similar because in each the American soldiers had confidence when fighting, both were on tv, journalists and reporters were with soldiers on the battlefield. They were different because Desert Storm lasted six weeks and Vietnam was ten years plus.
Nixon And The Vietnam War Essay Research
Paper Richard Nixon and The Vietnam War Entering the executive office in 1969, Richard Milhaus Nixon would have to “pick up the slack” of his predecessor Lyndon Johnson who had left office while the Vietnam War was still waging on. Expected to be the “peaceful-president”, Nixon was visualized by many Americans as being the one who would put an end to the war in Southeast Asia and bring American troops home.
My Lai Essay Research Paper THE MY
My Lai Essay, Research Paper THE MY LAI MASSACRE Boys will be boys. A commonly use quote. So what happens when a group of young men, who have just seen their best friend killed, goes on a search and destroy mission to face a village full of strangers from a distant land? You get the My Lai massacre. The whole village was wiped out by the US Eleventh Light Infantry Brigade.
A Prolonged Civil Conflict Essay Research Paper
The reasons why the Vietnam War lasted so long is a very controversial subject among Americans. There is no simple answer to as why the war lasted so long. Many factors have to be considered when analyzing the war. The first factor that has to be considered is whether or not the U.S. really belonged in the Vietnam War in the first place.
Why Did The Usa Become Involved In
Vietnam In The 1950S And 1960S Essay, Research Paper Why did the USA become involved in Vietnam in the 1950s and 1960s? The USA became involved in Vietnam because of a cry for help from the Vietnamese president of that time, Ngo Dinh Diem, or at least, they used it as an excuse for what they did. The Americans saw it as a prime example to the rest of the world of how capitalism could conquer communism.
The Lessons And Ghosts Of Vietnam Essay
?, Research Paper Peggy Thomas Czyzniejewski English 112H 9/16/99 The Lessons Learned from Vietnam Lorenzo M. Crowell discusses the lessons that Americans have learned from the Vietnam conflict in his article “The Lessons and Ghosts of Vietnam.” Crowell analyzes the lessons learned from Vietnam and applies them to the military strategies of today.
Sgt York Life Legend And Legacy Essay
, Research Paper Sgt. York His Life, Legend, and Legacy Book Review Sgt. York: His Life, Legend, and Legacy, John Perry, Nashville, TN, Broadman and Holdman Publishers, 1997, 349 pgs, $16.99. In his thought-provoking book Sgt. York: His Life, Legend, and Legacy, John Perry details the life of Congressional Medal of Honor winner Alvin C.
Vietnam Memorial Essay Research Paper At the
Vietnam Memorial Essay, Research Paper At the age of twenty one, a female undergraduate at Yale University named Maya Lin submitted her design for the Vietnam Memorial. Her idea