In his previous books, most notably Patterns of War Since the Eighteenth Century, Larry H. Addington has proven himself a masterful guide to the causes and conduct of war in the western world. In his new book, Addington turns his narrative skills to a brief history of the war in Vietnam. Not intended as a competitor to the many excellent comprehensive studies of the Vietnam Era, this book presents a short, narrative history of the origins, course, and outcome of the America's military involvement in Vietnam.Addington begins with a review of the history of Vietnam before the coming of the French, the impact of French imperialism, and the United States' collaboration with Ho Chi Minh during the Second World War. He examines the course of the French Indochina War and the Cold War origins of the early American involvement in Vietnam. He then traces in more detail U.S. policy after the 1954 Geneva Accords, its role in the establishment of a permanent and independent state in South Vietnam, and its role in the outbreak of a new war.As his narrative turns to America's deepening involvement in the war, Addington examines the U.S. strategies for waging air and ground war, and the domestic impact of its policies on public support and on the anti-war movement. He suggests reasons for the ultimate failure of U.S. policy under President Johnson and examines the successes and failures of the policy of withdrawal under President Nixon. Addington concludes with an overview of the aftermath of the war and a summing up of America's experience in Vietnam. Based upon years of experience teaching about the war, "America's War in Vietnam" will prove a useful introduction and a concise reference to America's longest and most controversial war.
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About the Author
Larry H. Addington is Professor Emeritus of History at The Citadel. He has been a guest lecturer at the Naval War College, the Marine Command and Staff College, and at various Army schools. He is author of The Blitzkrieg Era, The Patterns of War Through the Eighteenth Century, and The Patterns of War Since the Eighteenth Century.
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Vietnam has been likened to two rice bowls at the opposite ends of a carrying pole. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
Vietnam has been likened to two rice bowls at the opposite ends of a carrying pole. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Given the volumes of books written on Vietnam and that it is etched on so many older peoples minds, this book acts as a bright beacon for anyone who wants an overview before they start digging or just to try and make sense of all that they remember happened.
In 174 pages Prof Addington in an outstanding essay of precision and clarity that is a joy to read, gives a concise and thoughtful overview of Vietnam from the 19th century French colonisation of Indochina to the end of the Vietnam conflict in the 1970s, with comments on the subsequent impact for all the players.
His book gives everyone whatever their prior knowledge a very clear analysis covering:
1. How the axis of Ho Chi Minh and Giap for North Vietnam always read their position corectly as long as they enjoyed USSR and China military support;
2.The French could never easily retain Indochina given their colonial policies, and,
3. The USA through first its hard Cold War attitude of the 1950s in error supported the French and got drawn in; then supported an inappropriate military takeover under Kennedy; and under Johnson who was scared of being seen as soft on communism engaging in deceit first over the Tonkin Bay incident and then misleading the US people with dire costs for the major social domestic programme his party had started, to finally Nixon winning an election in 1968 on a promise of peace but not delivering until his second term after engaging in military tactics which would have lasting consequences for Cambodia and Laos and lead to the quick downfall after peace of South Vietnam.
Trenchant observations on the many military failures, the US "peace movement" and the roles of USSR and China make this a highly recommended memorable read.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.3 out of 5 stars
3 reviews
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Summary
3 July 2000
By M. West
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
It is a rare book that can effectively summarize a long war and a longer historical process in a short space, yet this book does so with gem-like clarity. It is also extraordinarily evenhanded--a great accomplishment given the depth of feeling surrounding the war. The text weaves various perspectives into the narrative so well that I always felt unimpeded by bias and appreciative of its broad objectivity. The author keeps the larger focus on the main political and military issues which shaped the war yet always includes enough detail to give a strong sense of what was taking place both in policy circles and on the ground. The author has cleary mastered a great deal of material and keeps to the facts, yet through it I was deeply moved. I think there is a subtle tone to the book of compassion for human tragedy that makes it not just highly readable but important to all of us who struggle to understand human events, and particularly this war.
16 of 19 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Whole Story--Complete and Concise
27 Jun 2000
By Amy Mulzet
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
I was young while the vietnam war was taking place. I've always wanted to learn more about it. This book tells precisely everything that went on very concisely. It also tells what went on in America during that time and you're able to get the whole picture. I wish that I would have read this a long time ago and I now know what other areas to look into for future reference. My family and I went to view "The Moving Wall" (Vietnam Memorial Duplicate) and I was fortunate and very honored to be able to discuss some situations with Vietnam Vets that were there. It was a great experience and those that I spoke with were impressed with what I knew!
1 of 7 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not exactly what I was looking for
3 Aug 2001
By Michael
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
The book provides are very thorough accout aobut the tactics employed during the war and the battles that resulted. The level of detail is tremendous and the book is well written. However, I was hoping for a more thorough examination of the sociological effects of the war, particularly here in the US. Maybe there is another book that I can read for this.
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4.3 out of 5 stars
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