The Debate over Vietnam

This work examines the bitter national discussion that raged over the propriety, the necessity, and the morality of America's longest war. It begins with a brief history of Vietnam under foreign rule and recounts the growing American military presence and the increasing reaction it provoked. It explores the fundamental values and assumptions of Americans on both sides of the growing debate, contrasting Republican consensus with Democratic division and the split between intellectuals of the left and right. It also describes the positions of labour leaders, university faculty and students, and show-business celebrities. New to this edition is a discussion of the issue of draft dodging, especially as played out in the campaigns of former Vice President Dan Quayle and President Bill Clinton. How can the public today condemn the Vietnam war, yet not accept the actions of those who chose to avoid it? Why, 20 years later, is the Vietnam question still a pivotal issue in the political arena?