Essay: The Vietnam War

The Vietnam war was a significant historical event which was a part of the wider Cold war conflict. The US involvement began in 1965 and ended in 1973. It was fought to preserve a separate, independent noncommunist government of South Vietnam. New Zealand's support and contribution, though minimal played a rather important role in affecting New Zealand society. Both significant short and long term consequences arose for New Zealand following the ending of the war. The Vietnam conflict began before American became directly involved. Before 1954, Indochina was under French colonial rule. However, the Vietnam communist, Viet Minh fought for their freedom from the French in the battle of Dien Bien Phu. The French defeat in 1954 came to an agreement for Indochina. This led to a temporary division between Vietnam on its 17th parallel. This created tension between the North and South which was due to the cold war context of communism vs. capitalism. The North would be controlled by the Viet Minh and South Vietnam would be led by Ngo Dinh Diem. In South Vietnam, the Viet Cong was a guerrilla group who supported North Vietnam and communism. America was anxious and worried about the spread of communism in Vietnam as they believed in the 'Domino Theory'. The American's believed that if Vietnam fell to communism, other countries in surrounding Vietnam would fall to the same regime. Therefore, this fear of communism from US led to their escalation of support from South Vietnam's inadequacy. The Gulk of Tonkin incident was used to create US presence in Vietnam, where two US ships were destroyed by the north. In 1965, US troops were sent to fight together with South Vietnam. Tactics such as search and destroy missions against guerrilla warfare occured. These search and destroy consisted of searching out the enemy and destroying them. A significant search and destory mission during the war was the massacre of peaceful villages at My Lai in 1968. Also the use of Agent Orange and Napalm were lefts its effect on Vietnam. These were both toxic chemicals/substances which were used by the US as a military weapon. In 1968, the Tet offensive did major damage to America's credibility as it demonstrated strength and will from the enemy. The Tet offensive did major damage to America's credibility as it demonstrated strength and will from the enemy. The offensive was a series of arranged attacks from the Viet Cong against South Vietnam and US. As a result from the Tet Offensive, a policy was created by Richard Nixon called Vietnamisation which enforced a larger amount of South Vietnam troops along with a steady withdrawl of US troops. From 1965 to 1973, 2.5 million served with 58,000 deaths. But, nevertheless though their efforts and tremendous support, the US couldn't progress further and began to slowly decrease their involvement from 1969 until an agreement of ceasefire in 1973. From the involvement of the US, New Zealand also gave its support and participation through its troops it sent to Vietnam. The treaty between America, Australia and New Zealand – ANZUS was signed during 1951. ANZUS allowed security and protection for New Zealand, but also made New Zealand obligated towards supporting USA in the war. In 1963, a detachment of the Royal New Zealand Engineers and surgical team was sent to Vietnam. As US troops were stationed in Vietnam in 1965, military assistance was put upon New Zealand from its ally. New Zealand government was reluctant to contribute, but eventually allowed minimal, drip fed contribution to satisfy its resistant ally. Later during the war, New Zealand slowly increased its contribution. The 1st Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment in Malaysia was deployed to Vietnam in 1967. From its beginning of the war to the end, 3500 served New Zealand. Though New Zealand's contribution was limited and minimal in comparison to America's, it had many impacts on New Zealand society and political systems. The Vietnam war had several short term effects which followed after the ending of the war. An unfortunate short term effect was the number of casualties. Amongst the estimated 3500 men who served New Zealand, 37 deaths and 187 wounded and injured were recorded. Another significant short term effect was the protests which occurred during and after the war resulting in divison. Aspects of New Zealand society was angry with the government and its decision for involving the country with Vietnam as they saw it as a civil war. The involvement caused the people of New Zealand to question their government. The anger of the population resulted in anti war protests throughout New Zealand. An example of this is was in April 1971 when 35,000 people protested on the streets. The different support in new Zealand also divided the nation. The supporters of the involvement were rather conservative and older, while the protestors were of the younger generation. This was a social effect which divided New Zealand's nation and challenged the government to an extent. Also the political issues which rose from the Vietnam war was a short term effect that created differences and split between Labour and National government. The decision to send forces to Vietnam initially gained a high public support allowing the National party to not suffer. Therefore, they returned to office twice, in 1966 and 1969. However, as the war escalated, anti war movements occurred which questioned National's alliance policies. So Labour and National's divergent policies on Vietnam symbolised their wide differences. Thus, the Vietnam war marked a turning point in the evolution of New Zealand's post war policies. The major conflict also caused a few long term effects. A significant long term effect was the physical disabilities passed on from the New Zealand Vietnam soldiers to their children. The toxic chemicals such as Agent Orange were used throughout the war which had effects on soldiers who were exposed. This caused problems with reproduction and genetic disorders. Therefore, this is still a long lasting effect which is still evident in effecting some people. Another long term effect was the unfair post Vietnam war treatment that New Zealand soldiers received from their society. When they returned from war, many veterans were shunned upon for their service. Only after 40 years did the Vietnam veterans of New Zealand receive an apology for this treatment they received after the war. They were not recognised for their loyalty or service for their country, but were looked down upon from an unsuccessful and much protested war. In 2008, the government publicly apologised to Vietnam veterans and their families, recognising these men who were not treated fairly when they returned from war. In conclusion, the Vietnam war was a very significant event in history for New Zealand and the rest of the countries involved. The division of Vietnam caused a large amount of US involvement and its allies. America's strong and powerful tactics didn't amount to any success, therefore the war was won by the communist North. The major conflict had many short and long term effects on New Zealand which challenged and changed New Zealand society which still is evident till this day.

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