Unit 8: The Vietnam Era
People:
1. Ho Chi Minh:
Ho Chi Minh was a Vietnamese nationalist who felt being able to gain independence of Vietnam was very important to his people and the rest of the world. Because of his pride for Vietnam, he became involved in anti-French organizations, and later on he left the country in spite of travel and inspiration. When Ho Chi Minh returned, he was a new man in favor of the communist theory. After the French had given up Vietnam, it was split into North and South Vietnam, with North Vietnam as a communist nation with Ho Chi Minh was their new leader. Ho Chi Minh's historical relevance to this era was that he would not end the Vietnam War and lose to the Americans in South Vietnam because he did not want to end the idea of communism.
Ho Chi Minh was a Vietnamese nationalist who felt being able to gain independence of Vietnam was very important to his people and the rest of the world. Because of his pride for Vietnam, he became involved in anti-French organizations, and later on he left the country in spite of travel and inspiration. When Ho Chi Minh returned, he was a new man in favor of the communist theory. After the French had given up Vietnam, it was split into North and South Vietnam, with North Vietnam as a communist nation with Ho Chi Minh was their new leader. Ho Chi Minh's historical relevance to this era was that he would not end the Vietnam War and lose to the Americans in South Vietnam because he did not want to end the idea of communism.
2. President Lyndon Baines Johnson:
Johnson began to initiate involvement in the Vietnam War, and he started sending more troops over to South Vietnam to help with the cause. Involvement of different sorts began to rise, such as troop involvement increases to over 500,000 troops, and the economic involvement rises to a contribution of over $30 billion. The way that Johnson was running the country and dealing with the war became "unhealthy" to the United States, and he realized what was happening to his country. Johnson announced that he would not run for another term as President, and this made America realize that they would not be fighting for a victory anymore and that peace would be the only way to end the conflict. Johnson's historical relevance to this era was that he changed the people in the United States for the worse; the division of America would cease because of the end of the war in Vietnam.
Johnson began to initiate involvement in the Vietnam War, and he started sending more troops over to South Vietnam to help with the cause. Involvement of different sorts began to rise, such as troop involvement increases to over 500,000 troops, and the economic involvement rises to a contribution of over $30 billion. The way that Johnson was running the country and dealing with the war became "unhealthy" to the United States, and he realized what was happening to his country. Johnson announced that he would not run for another term as President, and this made America realize that they would not be fighting for a victory anymore and that peace would be the only way to end the conflict. Johnson's historical relevance to this era was that he changed the people in the United States for the worse; the division of America would cease because of the end of the war in Vietnam.
Events:
1. Antiwar Movement on college campuses (Kent State University):
Throughout the years of the United States remaining involved in the Vietnam War, many antiwar activists began to arise, and they argued that because of Nixon widening the war, the world would become a more dangerous place. On the 4th of May in 1970, violence occurred at Kent State University in Ohio because demonstrators began to abuse members of the National Guard by throwing rocks and bottles at them. This commotion brought upon chaos that would not ever be forgotten by the American people. Four students were killed by the National Guard because they thought that they had heard what sounded like a sniper shot. The historical relevance of the violence at Kent State University was that it changed how people were starting to feel about the war in Vietnam, and it caused a war to start between the American people.
Throughout the years of the United States remaining involved in the Vietnam War, many antiwar activists began to arise, and they argued that because of Nixon widening the war, the world would become a more dangerous place. On the 4th of May in 1970, violence occurred at Kent State University in Ohio because demonstrators began to abuse members of the National Guard by throwing rocks and bottles at them. This commotion brought upon chaos that would not ever be forgotten by the American people. Four students were killed by the National Guard because they thought that they had heard what sounded like a sniper shot. The historical relevance of the violence at Kent State University was that it changed how people were starting to feel about the war in Vietnam, and it caused a war to start between the American people.
2. Tet Offensive (January, 1968):
An offensive planned by the communists was expected to arise in early 1968, and on the 21st of January in 1968, the Khe Sanh was attacked by the North Vietnamese Army. The North Vietnamese Army expanded this outbreak during the end of January by attacking the United States and the ARVN positions that were spread throughout South Vietnam. This attack, which was called the Tet Offensive, included an assault on 36 provincial capitals, five major cities, and the United States embassy in Saigon. The Tet Offensive’s historical relevance to this era is that it showed that the communists still had not lost the will to fight the war, and would be willing to put up a fight for their objectives to win.
An offensive planned by the communists was expected to arise in early 1968, and on the 21st of January in 1968, the Khe Sanh was attacked by the North Vietnamese Army. The North Vietnamese Army expanded this outbreak during the end of January by attacking the United States and the ARVN positions that were spread throughout South Vietnam. This attack, which was called the Tet Offensive, included an assault on 36 provincial capitals, five major cities, and the United States embassy in Saigon. The Tet Offensive’s historical relevance to this era is that it showed that the communists still had not lost the will to fight the war, and would be willing to put up a fight for their objectives to win.
Science and Technology:
1. Huey Helicopters:
The Vietnam War was the first war where helicopters became vital to the soldiers and fighting itself. The Americans began to completely rely on their helicopters for quick and easy transportation, and these helicopters were able to be equipped with heavy artillery to help as a backup with ground attacks performed by the American and South Vietnamese forces. These helicopters played important roles such as resupplying and reinforcing American troops on the ground, and they also evacuated the wounded South Vietnamese and American troops. The historical relevance of the Huey Helicopters in that era was that they were able to help save the lives of many fighting against the North Vietnamese communists.
The Vietnam War was the first war where helicopters became vital to the soldiers and fighting itself. The Americans began to completely rely on their helicopters for quick and easy transportation, and these helicopters were able to be equipped with heavy artillery to help as a backup with ground attacks performed by the American and South Vietnamese forces. These helicopters played important roles such as resupplying and reinforcing American troops on the ground, and they also evacuated the wounded South Vietnamese and American troops. The historical relevance of the Huey Helicopters in that era was that they were able to help save the lives of many fighting against the North Vietnamese communists.
2. B-52 Bombers:
B-52's, like the Huey Helicopters, were very effective to help support the troops in the Vietnam war. They were very useful for ground troops because troops were able to be supported by the bombers. The B-52's were flown into enemy territory to places such as North Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos to drop their load of bombs. The historical relevance of the B-52 Bombers in the Vietnam War was that they were able to help troops out, but in less ways than the Huey Helicopter. They were able to destroy a lot of the enemy's land with all the bombs that were dropped.
B-52's, like the Huey Helicopters, were very effective to help support the troops in the Vietnam war. They were very useful for ground troops because troops were able to be supported by the bombers. The B-52's were flown into enemy territory to places such as North Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos to drop their load of bombs. The historical relevance of the B-52 Bombers in the Vietnam War was that they were able to help troops out, but in less ways than the Huey Helicopter. They were able to destroy a lot of the enemy's land with all the bombs that were dropped.
Arts and Entertainment:
1. "Television War":
The Vietnam War was also referred to as the "living room" war in that time era. American families would constantly have their television sets on in their living rooms to watch the war as it was happening. Nightly newscasts would capture America's attention, and it would keep them interested in what the United States was putting its troops through in the Vietnam War. As the war carried on, some Americans started to become very frustrated with what was happening in Vietnam, and this slowly began to divide the nation. The television's historical relevance to this era was that it brought upon the division line of why America was involved in the Vietnam War, and it was able to show what was happening in Vietnam.
The Vietnam War was also referred to as the "living room" war in that time era. American families would constantly have their television sets on in their living rooms to watch the war as it was happening. Nightly newscasts would capture America's attention, and it would keep them interested in what the United States was putting its troops through in the Vietnam War. As the war carried on, some Americans started to become very frustrated with what was happening in Vietnam, and this slowly began to divide the nation. The television's historical relevance to this era was that it brought upon the division line of why America was involved in the Vietnam War, and it was able to show what was happening in Vietnam.
2. The Beatles:
Music began to give Americans a feeling of hope, and that maybe there could be a peace set between the nations of the world. The Beatles played songs for the peace, love, hope, and happiness that everyone wanted to start to see after the years of the Vietnam War. The Beatles' historical relevance to this era of the Vietnam War was that they became a quick and significant part of pop culture, and they were able to create a "new world."
Music began to give Americans a feeling of hope, and that maybe there could be a peace set between the nations of the world. The Beatles played songs for the peace, love, hope, and happiness that everyone wanted to start to see after the years of the Vietnam War. The Beatles' historical relevance to this era of the Vietnam War was that they became a quick and significant part of pop culture, and they were able to create a "new world."
Lifestyle/Leisure/Sports:
1. Drug and Alcohol Addiction:
Drug addiction was very common throughout the Vietnam War, and for some of the men in combat, taking different types of drugs became their pastime to help them "feel better." Heroin was a very common drug that was used during the war, and it is highly addictive, so it was quite difficult for the ones using this drug to stop their addiction. For the soldiers who wanted to end their punishing habits, they could go to places like Ward 4B2 of the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital in California. If a veteran wanted to be cured of their addiction, they had to show that they were willing enough to try hard to end their addiction, and the ones who did not show a good enough commitment would be sent home to deal with their own problems. The historical relevance of this "pastime" is that it changed how veterans would be able to cope with the impacts that the war had on them in mental, physical, or emotional ways.
Drug addiction was very common throughout the Vietnam War, and for some of the men in combat, taking different types of drugs became their pastime to help them "feel better." Heroin was a very common drug that was used during the war, and it is highly addictive, so it was quite difficult for the ones using this drug to stop their addiction. For the soldiers who wanted to end their punishing habits, they could go to places like Ward 4B2 of the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital in California. If a veteran wanted to be cured of their addiction, they had to show that they were willing enough to try hard to end their addiction, and the ones who did not show a good enough commitment would be sent home to deal with their own problems. The historical relevance of this "pastime" is that it changed how veterans would be able to cope with the impacts that the war had on them in mental, physical, or emotional ways.
2. Football in America:
Football has always been an important icon to America, and during the Vietnam War the NFL was more than helpful. The NFL was the first sports organization to send players over to Vietnam and other surrounding Far Eastern countries. While the players were in these countries, they would visit places such as aircraft carries and remote firebases to give soldiers a sense of reality and happiness. The historical relevance of the NFL sending players over-seas in this era was that it helped the soldiers realize that there still is a normal life outside of their world, which was fighting in the Vietnam War.
Football has always been an important icon to America, and during the Vietnam War the NFL was more than helpful. The NFL was the first sports organization to send players over to Vietnam and other surrounding Far Eastern countries. While the players were in these countries, they would visit places such as aircraft carries and remote firebases to give soldiers a sense of reality and happiness. The historical relevance of the NFL sending players over-seas in this era was that it helped the soldiers realize that there still is a normal life outside of their world, which was fighting in the Vietnam War.
Politics:
1. War Powers Act (1973):
During the time of the Vietnam War, the President was given extensive military power to help control what needed to be done at the time of the war. The War Powers Act, which was established in 1973, was a law that was passed to restrict the President's war-making powers. There were now set restrictions on what the president was able to do with his troops in South Vietnam, so if the president were to commit American forces to a foreign conflict he must consult the congress within 48 hours of the act. The historical relevance of the War Powers Act was that with the newly set restrictions, it would be easier for the war to end in Vietnam.
During the time of the Vietnam War, the President was given extensive military power to help control what needed to be done at the time of the war. The War Powers Act, which was established in 1973, was a law that was passed to restrict the President's war-making powers. There were now set restrictions on what the president was able to do with his troops in South Vietnam, so if the president were to commit American forces to a foreign conflict he must consult the congress within 48 hours of the act. The historical relevance of the War Powers Act was that with the newly set restrictions, it would be easier for the war to end in Vietnam.
2. Watergate Crisis:
At the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., the Democratic Party's Headquarters were located, and at this time Nixon was becoming overly suspicious of the Democrats. Because of this, Nixon ordered a break-in to the Watergate Hotel to find any information that would be useful to the Republicans or himself. Nixon later denied that he had had any involvement in the event, and he also refused to give up his personal tapes of Oval Office conversations to the senate. Because Nixon was later forced to give up the tapes, he resigned to avoid being impeached. The historical relevance of the Watergate Crisis to this era was that it changed politics in America, and many Americans lost faith in politics and respect for the Presidency.
At the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., the Democratic Party's Headquarters were located, and at this time Nixon was becoming overly suspicious of the Democrats. Because of this, Nixon ordered a break-in to the Watergate Hotel to find any information that would be useful to the Republicans or himself. Nixon later denied that he had had any involvement in the event, and he also refused to give up his personal tapes of Oval Office conversations to the senate. Because Nixon was later forced to give up the tapes, he resigned to avoid being impeached. The historical relevance of the Watergate Crisis to this era was that it changed politics in America, and many Americans lost faith in politics and respect for the Presidency.
Economy:
1. Impacts that the Vietnam War Created:
There were many significant impacts that the Vietnam War created, such as the long term effects that the soldiers endured, or the effects that the war brought out into the economy of the United States. Some of the long term effects that the soldiers were facing after the war was over were drug and alcohol abuse/addiction, psychological effects, and stress and trauma that mostly lead to suicides. Politically, the United States was afraid to engage in another war with their military. Economically, the United States preferred the use of money to fight against communism rather than American lives. These impacts that the Vietnam War created were historically relevant to that era because it showed the American people what the meaning of war was starting to become with all of the newer technology that was being produced.
There were many significant impacts that the Vietnam War created, such as the long term effects that the soldiers endured, or the effects that the war brought out into the economy of the United States. Some of the long term effects that the soldiers were facing after the war was over were drug and alcohol abuse/addiction, psychological effects, and stress and trauma that mostly lead to suicides. Politically, the United States was afraid to engage in another war with their military. Economically, the United States preferred the use of money to fight against communism rather than American lives. These impacts that the Vietnam War created were historically relevant to that era because it showed the American people what the meaning of war was starting to become with all of the newer technology that was being produced.
2. China Becomes a Trading Partner:
After the war in Vietnam had ceased, the United States quickly started to reach out to China for many compelling political and economical reasons. The United States realized that improving relations with China would bring upon trade agreements, so President Nixon traveled to China in February of 1972. Because of Nixon's visit to China, many American tourists also began to travel to China, and many American companies set up a trade with China. This caused the United States to become closer to normalizing diplomatic relations with China. This is historically relevant to that era because eventually the United States and China would establish full diplomatic relations, and these relations are still present in today's economy.
After the war in Vietnam had ceased, the United States quickly started to reach out to China for many compelling political and economical reasons. The United States realized that improving relations with China would bring upon trade agreements, so President Nixon traveled to China in February of 1972. Because of Nixon's visit to China, many American tourists also began to travel to China, and many American companies set up a trade with China. This caused the United States to become closer to normalizing diplomatic relations with China. This is historically relevant to that era because eventually the United States and China would establish full diplomatic relations, and these relations are still present in today's economy.