The Vietnam War

By Ben J.

The Vietnam War was a long struggle that had a huge impact on the American people as well as those in Vietnam. It lasted more than a decade, stretching from the arrival of the first advisors in 1955 to the cease-fire in early 1973. Appalling damage done to the Vietnamese people, and many Americans lost their lives. It was a very disputed issue, one which divided the country for years and years. It helped, in a way, to inspire the hippie generation, and it was an issue that fueled protests across the country.
The war between North and South Vietnam started in 1956, at which time the United States had already pledged support with Ngo Dinh Diem, the leader of South Vietnam. It was not until 1959 that American combat deaths occurred. In 1964, the United States destroyer boat Maddox was hit by North Vietnamese torpedoes. Lyndon Johnson demanded a resolution against North Vietnam, and two days later, Congress approved a resolution that allowed Johnson to take any measures necessary to give military help to the South. Johnson ordered the bombing of North Vietnam shortly after.
Over the next few years, ground troops would be sent in, the war would escalate, and hundreds of thousands of people would demonstrate all over America against the war. In 1969 the United States had its first draft lottery since '42. It was not until 1973 that the United States, South Vietnam, and North Vietnam would sign the Paris Peace Accords, ending the role that America had in combat and putting a cease-fire into effect.
All of Vietnam eventually went under control of the North, restoring Communist rule, and the Vietnam War Memorial was set up in Washington D.C., designed by Maya Lin. America suffered a huge loss from the war, and almost 60,000 people died, and 61% of them were 21 or younger. It was, still today one of the "longest and most unpopular war in which Americans ever fought." -David McCullough
http://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_map/vietnam.gifhttp://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_map/vietnam.gif

Return To Decades Topics