A LESSON UNLEARNED

    Throughout American history we have intervened militarily in the affairs of other nations for the declared purpose of serving them. We take no account of their historical and cultural background. We assume that our system is the best and that they will wish to imitate us.

    Southeast Asia is more diverse in language, dialects, religion and culture than Europe. The various peoples have fought repeatedly against one another. Boundaries of the various empires have changed frequently. Their history is one of authoritarian rule and warfare against the invading Chinese. Some of the ethnic groups are the descendants of Chinese invaders.
    In regard to Vietnam what decision was made at the end of World War I which set the course for Ho Chi Minh's life? Why did the French lose their war in Vietnam? Why and how did we enter the conflict in Vietnam? When Ho Chi Minh said that the French were the elephant and the Viet Minh were the tiger what did he mean? Did we lose the war in Vietnam? If we lost the war, why? If we won the war,explain.

    How did the war in Vietnam affect the economic, political and social aspects of American society? Why is it still of importance in understanding American foreign policy?

     Copyright © 2005 Gary Brady