The Vietnam War: Origins
The Vietnam War had similar circumstances. It all started with disputes between Japan and a French colony named Indochina, which included Vietnam. Indochina successfully defeated Japan. Then, the French had conflicts with the Viet Minh, a communist nationalistic Vietnamese movement. This is when the U.S. got involved. The United States, wanting to contain communism, sent supplies to aid the French against the Viet Minh. Eventually, a consensus called the Geneva Accords of 1954 stalled the disputes by dividing Vietnam. North Vietnam was communist, while South Vietnam was a republic. The U.S. was involved once again in 1956 when advisers were allowed to train the army of the Republic of Vietnam. Unfortunately, the army was not very successful.
This article is provides an excellent Encyclopedia-like source of information on the Vietnam War, covering the bases of the which countries were involved and when, as well as the type of war zone that U.S. troops fought in. About.com, 20th Century History: The Vietnam War This website is like reading a multimedia-filled magazine all about the Vietnam War. It is definitely a place to go if you want to reenforce your understanding with videos in addition to the detailed text. History.com: Vietnam War |
Photos and captions belong to About.com: 20th Century History and their respectful owners.
|