Perspectives in Vietnam

Standards: USII.20; Explain the causes, course, and consequences of the Vietnam War and summarize the diplomatic and military policies of Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. (H)  USII.28; Analyze the important domestic policies and events that took place during the presidencies of Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. (H) E. The anti-war and counter-cultural movements 

After studying the origins and the course of the conflict in Asia,  let’s look at some of the causes of the turmoil, and the consequences and repercussions of conflicts in the United States.  Do you think that the Vietnam era is important to consider when trying to understand current American attitudes regarding the War in Iraq?

                                                                    

Understanding Primary Documents

2.  Analyze the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and the letter from Ho Chi Minh from Blog Roll.  Write a brief essay describing each document, who’s side is the author on, what is the message the author is trying to get across, and is the message effective?

                                                       

The Vietnam War and the Media

1.  Compare and contrast two opposing views of the war from videos taken off the YouTube site.  How do you think it is possible for such exteme sides to be taken on the same war?  Which message appears to be stronger and more motivating?  If you were alive during this time period, which side would you choose?  Why?

A soldier in Vietnam – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-BNRoK_ZYs&NR=1

A Tribute to the Troops in Vietnam – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t04wT6GQf6M&mode=related&search=

Anti-War Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-_jzyXTvwQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byCCmBwRjGw

Music as a Medium to convey Ideas

3.  Describe the mental images that you get when you listen to “The Ballad of the Green Berets,” “Goodnight Saigon,” and “Alice’s Restaurant.”  Compare and contrast the images in a brief essay.  Which song do you think conveys its message to its audience more effectively?  Which song would you be more likely to relate to?  Which song do you think paints a clearer mental image?  Why?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_7C0QGkiVo - Alice’s Restaurant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH4-tOqLH94 - Ballad of the Green Berets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpRuKyksxks - Goodnight Saigon

                                                        

What is your opinion of the Vietnam War in the United States?

4.  After completing each of the three brief assignments and submitting your responses, please culminate your experience with the Vietnam conflict by writing an essay describing your feelings and opinions of the conflict.  Be sure to answer the following questions in your response, citing specific evidence from the primary sources as to why you feel the way that you do.

1.  How do you think the conflict in Vietnam changed American perspective for that conflict and all future conflicts to date?

2.  What images come to mind when you think of Vietnam? 

 3.  Should Americans protest their government’s actions during times of conflict with other countries?

4.  What happened to the United States that caused Americans to change from ticker tape parades at the end of World War II to the disrespect and sometimes humiliation that Vietnam veterans experienced?

5.  Do you think this could happen again?  Why or why not?