The Vietnam War

This course explores the Vietnam War, tracing its roots from the early presence of French merchants and missionaries to the involvement of the United States. We will examine key moments such as the OSS's aid to the Vietminh during World War II, the gradual U.S. entanglement in the conflict, and the premeditation behind the Tonkin Gulf Resolution before the incident itself. The course will also delve into Nixon's Vietnamization strategy and its parallels with earlier French efforts, the deep divisions the war created among Americans—including in Atlanta—the U.S. withdrawal, the subsequent communist victory, and the war’s lasting impact on both the American people and the military. This is a lecture and discussion based course, encouraging active participation and questions.