The Vietnam War has been described as ‘a war that was imposed upon Vietnam by intractable leaders of both sides and the foreign powers that made a distant agrarian nation bleed in sacrifice to their larger purposes.’
Vietnam: The conflict in Indochina 1945–1975 focuses on the Cold War era, when countries such as Vietnam and Korea were political pawns caught up in the manipulative, global aspirations of the great political and military superpowers of Russia, China, France, Britain and the United States. It incorporates the latest historical analysis and interpretation of the conflict, and includes many quotes from contemporary figures and historians – both Vietnamese and western – along with photographs, illustrations, and cartoons from the period. In addition, specially commissioned diagrams and maps help the students to understand the complexities of the conflict.
This text is ideal for students studying the Year 12 History Theme Imperialism, Indigenous Peoples and the Emergence of New Nations. Vietnam is part of a region that is of growing significance to New Zealanders, and this book encourages students to think about the historical forces and movements that influenced events there, and how people interpreted those events in different ways. Activity boxes in each chapter give students opportunities to improve their interpretation, research, writing and evaluation skills, and develop empathy.
Vietnam: The conflict in Indochina 1945–1975 examines:
- the origins and development of Vietnamese nationalism as a force to rid Vietnam of foreign invaders
- the nature and impact of French colonisation, Japanese fascism and American imperialism on the people of Vietnam
- the influence of Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam’s struggle to throw off foreign domination
- the emergence of communism as the political movement by which Vietnam hoped to realise its nationalistic aspirations
- the pivotal role played by North Vietnamese, South Vietnamese, French and American political and military leaders
- the origins, development and influence of key political and military groups such as the Viet Minh in the North, and the Viet Cong and pro-Diem groups in the South.
Finally, the book encourages students to ask the hard questions: Is war ever morally justifiable? Were there any positives to colonial exploitation? Was the Domino Theory real or imagined? Did the US have a moral right to be in Vietnam? Should political leaders be held accountable?
