The Vietnam War remains a deeply complicated part of American collective memory. For many, the war symbolizes the courage and sacrifice of those who served, yet it also stirs memories of national division and widespread protest. This layered remembrance reflects both the complex experiences of veterans and the differing public opinions on war, making it a lasting and difficult part of American history.
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What did activism look like in the Vietnam War?
After the United States formally began sending troops to Vietnam in 1965, many Americans became increasingly frustrated with the war. The United States did not see the early successes they thought they would, and as a result, decided to institute a draft in 1969 to increase the number of soldiers available to fight in Vietnam. […]
Students work in small groups to analyze six protest images, hypothesizing how each might influence American support for the Vietnam War. They then ra…
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What did conflict look like in the Vietnam War?
The Vietnam War was a conflict that took place from 1955 to 1975 in Vietnam, a country in Southeast Asia. It was mainly between North Vietnam, which was communist, and South Vietnam, which was supported by the United States and other countries that wanted to stop the spread of communism. The U.S. got involved because […]
The class begins with a gallery walk of curated Vietnam War photographs, where students analyze images from multiple perspectives and record observati…
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How do veterans remember the Vietnam War?
The Vietnam War left a deep and complex legacy for American veterans, each of whom experienced the conflict differently based on factors like their role, rank, and length of service. Unlike previous wars, the Vietnam conflict involved unique challenges, including dense jungle warfare, political tensions back home, and a guerilla enemy. These diverse conditions meant […]
The class begins with a brainstorm on places where military members serve, followed by an introduction to the Library of Congress Sense of Place websi…