America's War in Vietnam: A Short Narrative History

by Larry H. Addington

Drawing on years of experience teaching about the war, Larry H. Addington presents a short, narrative history of the origins, course, and outcome of America's military involvement in Vietnam. Not intended as a competitor to the many excellent comprehensive studies of the Vietnam Era, this book will prove a useful introduction and a concise reference to America's longest, most controversial war. Addington reviews the history of pre-colonial Vietnam, the impact of French imperialism and the Indochina War, and the Cold War origins of American involvement. He then details U.S. policy after the 1954 Geneva Accords, its role in the establishment of South Vietnam, and the outbreak of a new war. Turning to America's deepening involvement, Addington examines the U.S. strategies for waging air and ground war, the impact of the war at home, and the reasons for the failure of U.S. policy under President Johnson. He studies the successes and failures of the policy of withdrawal under President Nixon and concludes with an overview of the war's aftermath and its legacy.

Genres: History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I read for my college class, I still found it to be a well written introduction into the Vietnam War.

[Gil Hahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dispassionate and short. Thus a bit sketchy.

[Jason Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great starter book for anyone interested in Vietnam, the war itself or even just America in the late 60's. It covers all the points that need to be covered without going to deep into anyone.