The main themes in this week’s material were the United States’ image, blame placed on returning veterans, and Vietnam Syndrome. As discussed in previous weeks, the United States’ image had been damaged following the Tut Offensive when the media aired and published footage of the war. In order to help save what was left of its image, it was decided to finally withdrawal from Vietnam. Unfortunately, due to this damaged image, returning veterans did not find a welcome homecoming. Instead, they found themselves being blamed for the conflict, despite having little control over the matter. The opposition to the Vietnam War was so great that it led to what became known as Vietnam Syndrome or the lack of desire to enter into military endeavors, which …show more content…
Unfortunately, a continuity is that the South Vietnam army was still unprepared to fend off the North. This was due to the South being complacent with U.S. forces taking the lead for so long and never fully developing as an army. Another continuity is seen in the American public’s opposition to the war. Although it was now being expressed in opposition to the soldiers involved in the conflict.
What was the most surprising thing you learned in this section of the course?
What surprised me most in this section of the course was that all of the items carried to Vietnam Veterans Memorial are collected and housed in Washington. These items are then displayed to the American public. The objects left by The Wall range from handwritten letters to soldiers’ boots, uniforms, and insignia. Interestingly, you can now view everything that’s been collected online at http://www.vvmf.org/items/. Here you can see a picture of the item, a description, and if there is an association between the item and a name on The Wall. They really are moving to look through.
Provide a thesis (argument) for this week’s