A photograph of a young Marine in Vietnam, 1962. He is wearing a helmet and carrying a rifle across his shoulder.

Source: Hasford, Dale Dye, Wikimedia

Because of the politics of the Cold War, the events of the Vietnam War had both military and political influence.

Complete the following two activities to gain a better understanding of the controversial issues of the war.

Activity 1

Following the US-supported overthrow of South Vietnamese "Democratic" leader Ngo Dinh Diem in 1963, the region suffered great political instability. North Vietnamese (Viet Minh) took advantage of the situation and worked to infiltrate the region with agents, spies, and others working to support the Nationalist movement for reunification under the communist influence.

A photograph of a US Navy patrol boat from the Vietnam Era

Source: PBR Mk I, US Navy, Wikimedia

In 1964, The United States Navy sent ships to patrol the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin to prevent the aggression of the Viet Minh into South Vietnam. The following video discusses events that were believed to have taken place on August 2 & 4, 1964.

(1) View the video, (2) answer the question, and (3) complete the table in your notes.

Video segment. Assistance may be required.

Gulf of Tonkin: McNamara admits it didn't happen, compelled2283, YouTube

Based on the evidence provided, what action do you think the United States should have taken following this event?

Complete the table to support your answer.

Facts to Consider (questionable truths) Questionable Events
   
   

Activity 2

A photograph of a helicopter lifting off after dropping off troops in Vietnam

Source: Bruce Crandall's UH-1D, US Army, Wikimedia

The United States government faced public opposition throughout the war, especially as the war intensified and dragged on. In 1965, the United States escalated the war and increased the number of troops sent to Vietnam as it shifted its approach to the war from a defensive position to a more offensive stance. Within 9 months, deployment rose from 3.500 troops to 200,000. In all 3.5 million men served in Vietnam operations between 1964 and 1975. As the war continued with little progress towards victory, people across American began protests against the government, the war, the draft, etc. Look at the photos provided and answer the questions in your notes.

Student protesters marching down Langdon Street at the University of Wisconsin-Madison during the Vietnam War era.

A group of student protesters in the 1960s carrying signs that say Peace in Vietnam, End the War in Vietnam, No More War in Vietnam.

Source: Student Vietnam War protesters, uwdigitalcollections, Wikimedia

Using the information you have read and the notes you have taken in this lesson, answer these questions:

  1. What reasons do you think these students have for protesting the Vietnam War?
  2. One protester is holding a sign that reads "Use your head, not your draft card." Many draft eligible individuals "dodged" the draft to avoid military service in ways that were legal and illegal. Why do you think this protester is encouraging people to not use their draft card?
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Two male protesters mimicking a puppet show with the man pulling the strings wearing a sign that indicates that he is 'US Imperialism'. The puppet is a man wearing a sign that indicates he is 'Saigon'.

Source: Vietnam War protesters, US Archiv ARCWEB, Wikimedia

Imperialism is the policy of extending the rule of one nation over foreign countries.Close Pop Up

If you need help, click on image for a definition of the term "imperialism." This is an image of Vietnam War Protesters in Wichita, Kansas, 1967.

 

Using the information you have read and the notes you have taken in this lesson, answer these questions:

  1. What do you think these protesters are trying to say?
  2. How might you convey the same message?
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Click here for a hint.

Many critics of the war felt that the U.S. government was taking advantage of South Vietnam's military and political instability to gain power and influence.Close Pop Up
A photograph of Vietnamese guerilla fighters posing as a group. They are holding rifles and other combat equipment.

Source: Nlfmainforce, Brotherreuse, Wikimedia

The Tet Offensive executed by the Viet Minh on January 31, 1968 is called the turning point of the war. (1) View the first 8:21 (8 Minutes 21 seconds) of the video and (2) discuss the strategy used, and in your opinion, the success or failure of the offensive. (3) Answer the questions that follow in your notes to help formulate your response.

This activity might not be viewable on your mobile device. Video segment. Assistance may be required.Vietnam 1968: Turning Point

  1. What is significant about the date of the offensive?
    Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

    Click here to compare your answer.

    January 31 was the first day of the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in Vietnam.Close Pop Up
  2. What were the main targets for the Viet Minh?
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    Click here to compare your answer.

    The Viet Minh (or Viet Cong) had attacked most of the provincials and district capitals as well as many political and military tactical locations such as the presidential palace, the airport, and the U.S. Embassy.Close Pop Up
  3. What do you think was supposed to happen following the attacks?
  4. What do you think would constitute a victory?
  5. Should the United States withdraw troops? If now, why? If not now, when and why?

Check your answers for the first two questions by clicking on the links. Questions 3-5 require individual thought and analysis, therefore no answers are provided for you.