Gulf War Influence on American Patriotism The early 1990s was a time of economic prosperity for America. During the Gulf War, which lasted form 1990-1991, America earned a small profit due to the fact that the United Kingdom, an ally of the United States during the war, paid for most of the war expenditures while the war was occurring. With little money being put towards the war and American exports being high, America progressed economically during the Gulf War. The help of the United Kingdom was a large factor in the success of the United States during the war. However, in the eyes of one American, it was not the only thing that added to the American success during and after the Gulf War. Dave Donaldson served as a marine from 1988-1982,
…show more content…
To Donaldson, America is one of the safest, most opportunistic countries in the world, but there was not enough appreciation or support for America prior to the Gulf War. Vietnam syndrome, which is lack of government support and lack of faith in armed forces to enter any wars because of the devastating defeat the United States faced during the Vietnam War, may be the influence to the lack of patriotism because the Vietnam War just prior to the Gulf War. To Donaldson however, there was no excuse for the lack of American flags hanging in neighbor’s yards, or the lack of military funds, or the lack of red white and blue being excessively used everywhere. During the Gulf War, when things were going well for America, patriotism skyrocketed and Donaldson believes this incorporated to the success of America during and after the Gulf War. Donaldson 's participation in the Gulf War from 1990-1991 is indicative of a widespread surge in patriotism and support for the war in the United States. Donaldson had a unique view on patriotism because he was a Marine, was able to leave and then come back to America, and he had a large …show more content…
This was no surprise due to the scare that they would fail in another war. What makes Donaldson’s experience interesting is that the perspective is that of a Marine and not the common citizen. Donaldson saw first hand how underprivileged other countries were and he in fact earned a new sense of appreciation and love for his country. Joining the military, Donaldson now had a job that required great patriotism and dedication to America, or someone else’s life could be endangered. This is unique because the importance of patriotism was set to higher standards in his eyes. If every American actually realized the importance of their dedication, love, and support for their country, then strong patriotism would be a common theme in most households. Fortunately, many Americans did decide to engage in the war and fight for a win within the Gulf. Donaldson’s unique experience comes from the atmosphere within the Gulf as one of, “apprehensive confidence” which refers to the military force being filled and there was a common goal to punish anyone that stood in an American’s way. Donaldson believed having a military force that
To Donaldson, America is one of the safest, most opportunistic countries in the world, but there was not enough appreciation or support for America prior to the Gulf War. Vietnam syndrome, which is lack of government support and lack of faith in armed forces to enter any wars because of the devastating defeat the United States faced during the Vietnam War, may be the influence to the lack of patriotism because the Vietnam War just prior to the Gulf War. To Donaldson however, there was no excuse for the lack of American flags hanging in neighbor’s yards, or the lack of military funds, or the lack of red white and blue being excessively used everywhere. During the Gulf War, when things were going well for America, patriotism skyrocketed and Donaldson believes this incorporated to the success of America during and after the Gulf War. Donaldson 's participation in the Gulf War from 1990-1991 is indicative of a widespread surge in patriotism and support for the war in the United States. Donaldson had a unique view on patriotism because he was a Marine, was able to leave and then come back to America, and he had a large …show more content…
This was no surprise due to the scare that they would fail in another war. What makes Donaldson’s experience interesting is that the perspective is that of a Marine and not the common citizen. Donaldson saw first hand how underprivileged other countries were and he in fact earned a new sense of appreciation and love for his country. Joining the military, Donaldson now had a job that required great patriotism and dedication to America, or someone else’s life could be endangered. This is unique because the importance of patriotism was set to higher standards in his eyes. If every American actually realized the importance of their dedication, love, and support for their country, then strong patriotism would be a common theme in most households. Fortunately, many Americans did decide to engage in the war and fight for a win within the Gulf. Donaldson’s unique experience comes from the atmosphere within the Gulf as one of, “apprehensive confidence” which refers to the military force being filled and there was a common goal to punish anyone that stood in an American’s way. Donaldson believed having a military force that