Vietnam War discussion questions (1)

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Discussion response questions for The Vietnam War: Episode One “Déja Vu (1858-1961)” Documentary series by Ken Burns and Lynn Novice (PBS 2017) Due Wednesday May 27th before class Episode one of this extraordinary series delves into the roots of what the United States knows as The Vietnam War. There were actually two distinct wars: The First French-Indochina War (1946-1954) and the Vietnam- American War (1955-1973); the United States was involved in both, although in very different ways. After 30 years, the US finally abandoned its military intervention in Vietnam, a failure that was “witnessed by the entire world.” The wars ended French colonial rule but devastated France’s former colonies in Southeast Asia, profoundly altered perceptions of the United States as a benevolent geopolitical power, and created deep social divisions within American society. This documentary explains how these conflicts began, reveals the objectives, tactics, and mistakes made on all sides. Above all, this is another story of painful irony and clearer hindsight that could perhaps help us prevent future wars by highlighting the importance of really understanding the context, interests, and perceptions of the different groups involved in any conflict before it escalates out of control. Note that about a quarter of the documentary is taken up by the interspersed reflections of former soldiers who fought on both sides. You should listen to a few of these (for understanding and out of respect) but none of the questions below are based on those segments. Answer any eight of the following questions (but make sure to include number 10 in your response): 1. Briefly describe the methods and objectives of French colonial rule in Southeast Asia. 2. Who was Ho Chi Minh? Briefly characterize his political ideology and objectives. What was the United States relationship with Ho Chi Minh during World War II? How did HCM perceive the US at this time? 3. On September 2, 1945, HCM declares Vietnam’s independence. What were the first words he used in this declaration? 4. But the Vietnamese expectation of independence was not fulfilled as France moved in to re-claim its colonial territories. How did France persuade the US to support this? Why was the world sympathetic to France at this time? What did HCM’s letter to President Truman say? 5. Several key events happened in 1949 and 1950 that spiked US Cold War concerns and shaped its policies towards Vietnam. Identify and briefly explain the role of two of these events. 6. In 1951, a young Senator John F. Kennedy visits Saigon. He would later change his position on US intervention in Vietnam, but what did he conclude after this first visit? 7. The Korean War (1950 to 1953) strongly influenced how the US interpreted what was happening in Vietnam and beyond through what came to be known as “Domino Theory.” What was this idea and why was it so effective in garnering political support for escalating US involvement? 8. France finally lost the first war in 1954 after a devastating defeat at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. What was the French commander’s mistake? How did the Viet Minh win? 9. The French defeat and the subsequent Geneva Accords might have ended the conflict but instead a new war was beginning. Briefly explain how and why US involved escalated rapidly in the late 1950s. Why did supporting Ngo Dinh Diem as the President of the Republic of (South) Vietnam not work out so well for US interests? 10. About two-thirds of the way through, former CIA agent and National Security Advisor Donald Gregg sums up the United States fatal “misread” of the Vietnam conflict. What exactly did he say? 11. What was the mismatch between the experience of the military advisors the US initially sent into Vietnam and the war they would actually encounter?
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