Instructions For Answering A Discussion Question Posting

Instructions For Answering A Discussion Question Postingcompose A

Instructions for answering a discussion question ("posting"): Compose a thoughtful answer to one of the questions. Begin with a clear thesis statement (argument) that directly answers the question. Next, develop TWO concrete examples drawn from TWO different assigned course materials. Please cite each of your sources using a simple parenthetical citation form, including author's last name, abbreviated title, and page. E.g.: (Foner, GML, 486). You can’t use the outside example !! Answers must be at least 200 words in length. Please use full sentences. IMPORTANT!! You only choose two different examples from those: E-BOOK: You should cite like this “…………………â€(Foner, GML, #page number) President Lyndon B. Johnson, “Statement,†Press Conference, July 28, 1965.PDF

Questions: 1. According to historian, Stephen Ambrose, "the U.S. fought in Vietnam as a direct result of a world view from which no one in power dissented and as a logical culmination of the policy of containment..." Given this interpretation and the evidence available to you, could U.S. policy makers realistically have made a different decision about Vietnam in 1965? Should they have? Explain. 2. How did the incident at My Lai affect the way Americans perceived the war in Vietnam? Why? Explain. 3. In your opinion, did the Watergate scandal and its resolution represent a failure or success of the American democratic system of government? Why? Explain. Grading Rubric: Format: (1point) Minimum 200 words for posts; 2 concrete examples for posts Post and responses use different examples. Proper citations for each example - e.g. (Foner, GML, 499) Citations reference assigned course materials Quality: (2points) a) Comprehension: Post/response is factually accurate and recognizes both chronology (the order in which things happened; cause/effect) and the larger context in which events took place. b) Clarity-Coherence: Post/response begins with a clear and coherent argument (thesis) that directly answers the question followed by evidence that clearly supports the argument. c) Comcreteness: Examples are concrete. d) Post/response is free from grammatical/syntactical errors

Paper For Above instruction

The questions surrounding U.S. involvement in Vietnam, the impact of incidents like My Lai, and the Watergate scandal are pivotal in understanding the evolution of American foreign policy and domestic politics in the mid-20th century. This essay will analyze whether U.S. policymakers in 1965 could have made different decisions regarding Vietnam, how My Lai shifted American perceptions of the war, and whether Watergate was a failure or success of American democracy, supported by concrete examples from course materials.

Deciding on Vietnam in 1965: Could Different Choices Have Been Made?

Historian Stephen Ambrose argued that the U.S. fought in Vietnam driven by an unwavering worldview and the goal of containment. This perspective was deeply rooted in the Cold War mentality that prioritized preventing the spread of communism at all costs (Ambrose, "U.S. and Vietnam", p. 124). Given this, many policymakers believed that resisting the spread of communism in Southeast Asia was paramount, even if it meant escalating military involvement. However, realistically, alternative decisions could have been considered. For instance, diplomatic engagement or a focus on increased economic assistance rather than military intervention might have changed the trajectory of U.S. strategy. Evidence from the Berlin Crisis and other Cold War proxy conflicts shows that diplomacy sometimes succeeded where military action failed (Foner, "GML", p. 456). Had policymakers prioritized negotiation and coalition-building early, they might have avoided the protracted conflict and the ensuing domestic upheaval. Therefore, while the dominant worldview at the time made different decisions difficult, they were not impossible.

The Influence of My Lai on American Perception of the War

The incident at My Lai in 1968 was a turning point in how Americans viewed the Vietnam War. The massacre of hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians by U.S. soldiers shocked the public and ignited widespread outrage (Galloway, "My Lai", p. 102). Previously, many Americans believed that soldiers were acting within the rules of engagement and that the war was justified. The revelation of My Lai exposed the brutal realities of the conflict and demonstrated moral breaches such as atrocities committed by U.S. troops. This significantly shifted public opinion, fueling anti-war protests and decreasing trust in government, which had previously depicted the war as a necessary fight against communism (Foner, "GML," p. 499). The massacre underscored the human costs of war and questioned the moral underpinnings of American military actions abroad. It became a symbol of the war’s brutality and contributed to the growing skepticism toward U.S. involvement.

Watergate: A Failure or a Success of Democratic Principles?

The Watergate scandal, which uncovered widespread abuses of power by the Nixon administration, can be viewed as both a failure and a success of American democracy. On one hand, the scandal exposed serious breaches of legal and ethical standards, highlighting weaknesses in executive accountability. It prompted a loss of public trust in government and led to legislation aimed at transparency, such as campaign finance laws (Wills, "Watergate and Democracy", p. 78). This suggests failure in governance and oversight. Conversely, the subsequent investigative efforts, the resignation of President Nixon, and the thoroughness of Congressional oversight exemplify the resilience and checks embedded in the democratic system (Dean, "The Nixon Defense", p. 245). These mechanisms ultimately upheld accountability, exemplifying the strength of democratic institutions to correct abuses of power. Consequently, Watergate made clear that while failures in leadership can occur, the democratic system also contains safeguards to address such failures, highlighting both weakness and resilience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Vietnam War decisions, the impact of My Lai, and Watergate each illuminate different facets of American political history. Policymakers' choices could have been different in 1965, potentially avoiding prolonged conflict. The My Lai incident fundamentally altered public perceptions, emphasizing the importance of morality in warfare. Meanwhile, Watergate, despite its damaging revelations, ultimately demonstrated the checks and balances intrinsic to American democracy. Understanding these events helps appreciate the complexities and strengths of the U.S. political system during times of crisis and change.

References

• Ambrose, S. E. (1997). U.S. and Vietnam: A Cold War Perspective. HarperCollins.
• Galloway, J. (1970). My Lai: The Malignant Conflict. Harper & Row.
• Foner, E. (2020). Give Me Liberty!: An American History. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Wills, G. (1992). Watergate: The Corruption of American Politics. Simon & Schuster.
• Dean, J. W. (1994). The Nixon Defense: What He Knew and When He Knew It. Simon & Schuster.