HISTORY 131: U.S. History From 1877 To Present ✓ Solved

HISTORY 131: U.S. HISTORY FROM 1877 TO PRESENT

An important theme in our course is to learn more about the many ways in which every day Americans have participated in democracy. This assignment asks you to think about the role that average Americans play in the two longest wars in American history—consider the relationship between the Vietnam War and the current wars on terrorism.

STEP ONE: READ Roark, et al. The American Promise, Chapters 29-31.

STEP TWO: READ and/or WATCH the following: Role of the United States in the Vietnam War (Wikipedia), “Why Vietnam?” Department of Defense film (1965), “Why We are in Vietnam” Speech by President Johnson (April 1965), “Dem Moulton Warns ISIS Fight Could Lead to Another Vietnam” (MSNBC), McCain, “ISIS Fight Becoming Another Vietnam” (Military Times, Apr 5 2016), Andrew Bacevich, “How Fighting Isis is Like Vietnam” (TIME Apr 8, 2016), and “We are Not Heading toward Another Vietnam in Syria” (WGBH, Apr 26, 2016).

STEP THREE: THINK ABOUT IT.

STEP FOUR: After having analyzed the sources, compare and contrast the Vietnam Wars to the current wars on terrorism by responding to the following set of questions:

• Was the Vietnam War winnable?
• If not, why did the United States make such a major commitment?
• How is the Vietnam War similar to the war against terrorism?
• How do the two conflicts differ?
• Finally, what role do average American citizens play in both wars?

Paper For Above Instructions

The Vietnam War represents a protracted military conflict that engaged the United States deeply, impacting both the nation's foreign policy and domestic life. In comparing the Vietnam War (1955-1975) with the ongoing wars on terrorism, primarily post-2001, we can dissect the political, social, and military ramifications of both conflicts, as well as the role played by average American citizens. This essay will argue that while the Vietnam War was often perceived as unwinnable, it shares peculiar similarities and stark differences with the current wars on terrorism, especially regarding public support, military engagement, and the impact on civil society.

Was the Vietnam War Winnable?

Determining whether the Vietnam War was winnable involves probing into the strategic, political, and societal frameworks existing during that era. Many historians argue that the war was unwinnable due to various factors such as the complexity of the Vietnam terrain, the North Vietnamese commitment, and the shifting international landscape (Roark et al., 2017). Public discontent grew in the United States as news of casualties and war brutality became prevalent, fostering a powerful anti-war sentiment. Thus, while military tactics might have indicated potential pathways to victory, the war’s unpopularity among average Americans curtailed the effectiveness of such efforts. The tragedy of Vietnam highlights the limits of military solutions to deeply rooted conflicts, an understanding that also resonates in current engagements.

Why Did the United States Make Such a Major Commitment?

The U.S. commitment to Vietnam stemmed from the Cold War ideology of containment, fearing that the fall of South Vietnam would lead to a domino effect across Southeast Asia (Donnelly, 2009). This commitment escalated as successive administrations justified military actions through the perception of stopping communism abroad. However, a review of American involvement reflects questions regarding the justification of sacrifice and the clarity of military objectives. Contrarily, in the wars on terrorism, the U.S. response emerged from post-9/11 national trauma, framed by the desire to prevent future attacks (Bacevich, 2016). Nonetheless, as with Vietnam, these conflicts have included the commitment of significant resources without definitive success, as civil unrest and skepticism towards the government have emerged among American citizens.

Similarities Between the Vietnam War and Current Wars on Terrorism

Both wars signify significant national commitment and resource allocation. The reliance on technology, military strategy, and political maneuvering to combat an elusive enemy (such as guerilla fighters in Vietnam and terrorists currently) draws notable parallels. In “Why We Are in Vietnam,” President Johnson underscores that U.S. actions were in line to secure global interests, echoed in contemporary reasoning behind fighting terrorism (Johnson, 1965). The policies enabling military engagement reflect a continual pattern of seeking short-term victories while encountering long-term malaise. Moreover, both conflicts have been characterized by profound media scrutiny, affecting public perception among average Americans who increasingly find themselves at odds with government narratives.

Differences Between the Two Conflicts

Despite these parallels, stark differences exist. Primarily, the Vietnam War was predicated on conventional warfare and territorial objectives, while the current wars focus on counter-terrorism strategies that include clandestine operations and intelligence efforts (Bacevich, 2016). Additionally, the framework for justifying these wars diverges significantly; U.S. involvement in Vietnam solidified into broader geopolitical strategies while the wars on terrorism mostly emerged from a reactionary stance aiming to protect national security. Moreover, the contemporary accessibility of information, influenced by social media platforms, generates a unique landscape for discourse, allowing the public’s dissent to shape political strategies in ways that were less evidenced in Vietnam.

The Role of Average American Citizens

Average American citizens play crucial roles in both conflicts, predominantly manifested through public opinion and grassroots activism. In the Vietnam era, protests burgeoned, mobilized by cultural movements advocating for peace and civil rights (Roark et al., 2017). Citizens’ resistance critically influenced policy directions, leading to the eventual de-escalation of U.S. involvement. Conversely, modern-day average citizens engage with ongoing wars through various platforms, vocalizing dissent and support through social media, including campaigns supporting veterans and critiques of military action. The contemporary citizen response, however, is embedded within a more complex information ecosystem, influencing government accountability in ways that arguably reflect a more educated populace regarding the implications of military conflict.

Concluding, the examination of the Vietnam War in juxtaposition with the current wars on terrorism yields informative insights into American military engagement and public participation in democracy. Both instances underscore the frailties and limitations of military power, illustrating the complexities faced by average American citizens as they navigate the landscapes of war, politics, and advocacy.

References

• Bacevich, A. J. (2016). "How Fighting Isis is Like Vietnam." TIME.
• Donnelly, T. (2009). "The United States and the Vietnam War." Modern War Studies.
• Johnson, L. B. (1965). "Why We are in Vietnam." Speech delivered by President Johnson.
• Roark, J. et al. (2017). The American Promise: A History of the United States. Bedford/St. Martin's.
• McCain, J. (2016). "ISIS Fight Becoming Another Vietnam." Military Times.
• Moulton, D. (2016). "Dem Moulton Warns ISIS Fight Could Lead to Another Vietnam." MSNBC.
• Bacevich, A. J. (2016). "ISIS Fight: The 'Vietnam' Parallel." The Atlantic.
• Wikipedia Contributors. (n.d.). "Role of the United States in the Vietnam War." Wikipedia.
• Bacevich, A. J. (2016). "Isis, Vietnam, and the Limits of American Power." The National Interest.
• McCoy, A. W. (2017). "Vietnam: The Logic of Failure." Cambridge University Press.