Vietnam War
Weighing the Evidence
All documents and text associated with this activity are printed below, followed by a worksheet for student responses.Introduction
The Vietnam War was a military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1955 to 1975. The war was fought between North Vietnam and its communist allies against the government of South Vietnam and the United States. The United States entered this conflict in order to defet the Viet Cong and stop the spead of communism. The Vietnam War was a long and grueling conflict that led to the loss of many American lives. Some people believe that America won the Vietnam War and this fight agaist the spread of communism was largely supported. Yet evidence suggest that the Vietnam war may not have been a victory supported by the American Public. Look at the evidence and make and decide for yourslef.Name:
Class:
Class:
Worksheet
Vietnam War
Weighing the Evidence
Examine the documents and text included in this activity. Consider how each document does or does not support two opposing interpretations or conclusions. Fill in the topic or interpretations if they are not provided. To show how the documents support the different interpretations, enter the corresponding document number into the boxes near the interpretation. Write your conclusion response in the space provided. Interpretation 1
The Vietnam War was a victory that was supported by the American people.
The Vietnam War was a victory that was supported by the American people.
Vietnam: Was it a victory?
Interpretation 2
The Vietnam War was a disastrous campaign that was ridiculed by the American people.
The Vietnam War was a disastrous campaign that was ridiculed by the American people.
1
Activity Element
2
Activity Element
Page 1
3
Activity Element
Page 1
4
Activity Element
Page 1
5
Activity Element
Page 2
6
Activity Element
7
Activity Element
Page 2
8
Activity Element
Page 2
9
Activity Element
Page 1
10
Activity Element
Page 2
11
Activity Element
Page 1
12
Activity Element
13
Activity Element
Page 1
14
Activity Element
Page 1
Conclusion
Vietnam War
Weighing the Evidence
Now that you have weighed your evidence, think about why so many people still see the Vietnam war as a victoy that was supported by the American People. Was the Vietnam war truly a victory? Is this an accurate description of people's view points on the Vietnam War? Why or why not?Your Response
Document
Wet going - Marine Private First Class J.L. Collins keeps a battery pack dry as he wades through a muddy hole while on a search mission with 'I' Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 12 miles south-southwest of DaNang Vietnam.
ca. 1968
The original caption for this photograph reads: Wet going - Marine Private First Class J.L. Collins keeps a battery pack dry as he wades through a muddy hole while on a search mission with "I" Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 12 miles south-southwest of DaNang Vietnam.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Marine Corps.
National Archives Identifier: 532464
Full Citation: Photograph 127-N-A193157; Wet going - Marine Private First Class J.L. Collins keeps a battery pack dry as he wades through a muddy hole while on a search mission with 'I' Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 12 miles south-southwest of DaNang Vietnam.; ca. 1968; General Photograph File of the U.S. Marine Corps, 1927 - 1981; Records of the U.S. Marine Corps, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/marine-wading-mud, May 2, 2024]Wet going - Marine Private First Class J.L. Collins keeps a battery pack dry as he wades through a muddy hole while on a search mission with 'I' Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 12 miles south-southwest of DaNang Vietnam.
Page 2
Document
Photograph of Private First Class Russell R. Widdifield in Vietnam
1969
Original caption: Vietnam ... Private First Class Russell R. Widdifield of 3rd Platoon, Company M, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, takes a break during a ground movement 25 miles north of An Hoa, North Vietnam.
Additional details from our exhibits and publications
In this 1969 photograph, Private First Class Russell R. Widdifield of 3rd Platoon, Company M, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, takes a break 25 miles north of An Hoa, North Vietnam.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Marine Corps.
National Archives Identifier: 532493
Full Citation: Photograph of Private First Class Russell R. Widdifield in Vietnam; 1969; Records of the U.S. Marine Corps, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/photograph-of-private-first-class-russell-r-widdifield-in-vietnam, May 2, 2024]Photograph of Private First Class Russell R. Widdifield in Vietnam
Page 1
Document
Photograph of President Lyndon B. Johnson in Vietnam with Nurses
12/1967
In December 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson paid a surprise visit to South Vietnam to raise troop morale, the second of two visits by President Johnson to U.S. troops in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. In this photograph the President poses with nurses at a military hospital in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam.
This primary source comes from the Collection LBJ-WHPO: White House Photo Office Collection.
National Archives Identifier: 192514
Full Citation: Photograph of President Lyndon B. Johnson in Vietnam with Nurses; 12/1967; Johnson White House Photographs, 11/22/1963 - 1/20/1969; Collection LBJ-WHPO: White House Photo Office Collection, ; Lyndon Baines Johnson Library, Austin, TX. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/johnson-vietnam-nurses, May 2, 2024]Photograph of President Lyndon B. Johnson in Vietnam with Nurses
Page 1
Document
Ban Me Thout, Vietnam....Personnel from the Forward Mobile Staff put up tents at their new location.
1970
This primary source comes from the Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer.
National Archives Identifier: 531463
Full Citation: Ban Me Thout, Vietnam....Personnel from the Forward Mobile Staff put up tents at their new location.; 1970; Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/ban-me-thout-vietnampersonnel-from-the-forward-mobile-staff-put-up-tents-at-their-new-location, May 2, 2024]Ban Me Thout, Vietnam....Personnel from the Forward Mobile Staff put up tents at their new location.
Page 1
Document
Vietnam....Marines of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, walk through a punji-staked gully
1/28/1966
The original caption for this photograph reads: Vietnam....Marines of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, walk through a punji-staked gully.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Marine Corps.
National Archives Identifier: 532439
Full Citation: Photograph 127-N-A186578; Vietnam....Marines of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, walk through a punji-staked gully; 1/28/1966; General Photograph File of the U.S. Marine Corps, 1927 - 1981; Records of the U.S. Marine Corps, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/marine-punji-stakes, May 2, 2024]Vietnam....Marines of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, walk through a punji-staked gully
Page 2
Document
Vietnam....Marines riding atop an M-48 tank cover their ears as te 90mm gun fires during a road sweep southwest of Phu Bai
4/3/1968
The original caption for this photograph reads: Vietnam....Marines riding atop an M-48 tank cover their ears as the 90mm gun fires during a road sweep southwest of Phu Bai.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Marine Corps.
National Archives Identifier: 532483
Full Citation: Photograph 127-N-A371493; Vietnam....Marines riding atop an M-48 tank cover their ears as te 90mm gun fires during a road sweep southwest of Phu Bai; 4/3/1968; General Photograph File of the U.S. Marine Corps, 1927 - 1981; Records of the U.S. Marine Corps, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/vietnam-marines-m48, May 2, 2024]Vietnam....Marines riding atop an M-48 tank cover their ears as te 90mm gun fires during a road sweep southwest of Phu Bai
Page 1
Document
Vietnam War Protesters in Wichita, Kansas
1967
Protesters carry signs and act out "Saigon Puppet" demonstration in front of Wichita City Building.
This primary source comes from the Records of District Courts of the United States.
National Archives Identifier: 283626
Full Citation: Vietnam War Protesters in Wichita, Kansas; 1967; United States v. Blackmon; Criminal Case Files, 1890 - 1995; Records of District Courts of the United States, ; National Archives at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/vietnam-war-protesters-wichita-kansas, May 2, 2024]Vietnam War Protesters in Wichita, Kansas
Page 2
Document
Vietnam War Protesters in Wichita, Kansas
1967
Protesters carry signs and act out "Saigon Puppet" demonstration in front of Wichita City Building.
This primary source comes from the Records of District Courts of the United States.
National Archives Identifier: 283625
Full Citation: Vietnam War Protesters in Wichita, Kansas; 1967; United States v. Blackmon; Criminal Case Files, 1890 - 1995; Records of District Courts of the United States, ; National Archives at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/vietnam-war-protesters-kansas, May 2, 2024]Vietnam War Protesters in Wichita, Kansas
Page 2
Document
Hollywood Comedian Bob Hope Joins Dancers Harold and Fayard Nicholas in a Dance Step Aboard the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Ticonderoga. Viet Nam Photo Service
12/1965
The original caption for this photograph reads: Hollywood Comedian Bob Hope Joins Dancers Harold and Fayard Nicholas in a Dance Step Aboard the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Ticonderoga. Viet Nam Photo Service.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Information Agency.
National Archives Identifier: 541852
Full Citation: Hollywood Comedian Bob Hope Joins Dancers Harold and Fayard Nicholas in a Dance Step Aboard the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Ticonderoga. Viet Nam Photo Service; 12/1965; Miscellaneous Vietnam Photographs, 1958 - 1974; Records of the U.S. Information Agency, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/bob-hope-dance-ticonderoga, May 2, 2024]Hollywood Comedian Bob Hope Joins Dancers Harold and Fayard Nicholas in a Dance Step Aboard the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Ticonderoga. Viet Nam Photo Service
Page 1
Document
Vietnam....'Home is where you dig' was the sign over the fighting bunker of Private First Class Edward, Private First Class Falls and Private First Class Morgan of the 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment, during Operation Worth
1968
The original caption for this photograph reads: Vietnam...."Home is where you dig" was the sign over the fighting bunker of Private First Class Edward, Private First Class Falls and Private First Class Morgan of the 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment, during Operation Worth.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Marine Corps.
National Archives Identifier: 532482
Full Citation: Photograph 127-N-A371411; Vietnam....'Home is where you dig' was the sign over the fighting bunker of Private First Class Edward, Private First Class Falls and Private First Class Morgan of the 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment, during Operation Worth; 1968; General Photograph File of the U.S. Marine Corps, 1927 - 1981; Records of the U.S. Marine Corps, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/home-is-where-you-dig-it, May 2, 2024]Vietnam....'Home is where you dig' was the sign over the fighting bunker of Private First Class Edward, Private First Class Falls and Private First Class Morgan of the 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment, during Operation Worth
Page 2
Document
Vietnam refugees. USS Montague lowers a ladder over the side to French LSM to take refugees aboard. Haiphong.
8/1954
The original caption for this photograph reads: Vietnam refugees. USS Montague lowers a ladder over the side to French LSM to take refugees aboard. Haiphong.
This primary source comes from the General Records of the Department of the Navy.
National Archives Identifier: 521001
Full Citation: Photograph 80-G-644449; Vietnam refugees. USS Montague lowers a ladder over the side to French LSM to take refugees aboard. Haiphong.; 8/1954; General Photographic File of the Department of Navy, 1943 - 1958; General Records of the Department of the Navy, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/vietnam-refugees-uss-montague, May 2, 2024]Vietnam refugees. USS Montague lowers a ladder over the side to French LSM to take refugees aboard. Haiphong.
Page 1
Document
Soldiers Carry a Wounded Comrade Through a Swampy Area
1969
This primary source comes from the Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer.
National Archives Identifier: 531457
Full Citation: Photograph 111-SC-651408; Soldiers Carry a Wounded Comrade Through a Swampy Area; 1969; Photographs of American Military Activities, ca. 1918 - ca. 1981; Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/soldiers-carry-wounded, May 2, 2024]Soldiers Carry a Wounded Comrade Through a Swampy Area
Page 2
Document
Photograph of Marine Wives at Camp Pendleton, California Waiting for the Return of Prisoners of War
2/12/1973
Original caption: Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, wait at the Naval Air Station, Miramar for repatriated Marine prisoners of war to arrive. During the Vietnamese conflict, 26 Marines were captured and held prisoners of war by the enemy. The first group was released at the Gia Lam International Airport near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on February 12, 1973.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Marine Corps.
National Archives Identifier: 532511
Full Citation: Photograph of Marine Wives at Camp Pendleton, California Waiting for the Return of Prisoners of War; 2/12/1973; Records of the U.S. Marine Corps, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/photograph-of-marine-wives-at-camp-pendleton-california-waiting-for-the-return-of-prisoners-of-war, May 2, 2024]Photograph of Marine Wives at Camp Pendleton, California Waiting for the Return of Prisoners of War
Page 1
Document
Photograph of Soldiers at Hue City
2/6/1968
During the North Vietnamese Army’s surprise 1968 Tet Offensive, a fierce battle raged in the city of Hue. North Vietnamese Army troops and Vietcong attacked South Vietnamese Army troops and U.S. Marines. The month-long battle destroyed the city and ended in defeat for the attackers. This photograph from February 6, 1968, shows D.R. Howe treating the wounds of Private First Class D.A. Crum.
The original caption reads: Twentieth Century "Angel of Mercy" -- D. R. Howe (Glencoe, MN) treats the wounds of Private First Class D. A. Crum (New Brighton, PA), "H" Company, 2nd Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, during Operation Hue City.
The original caption reads: Twentieth Century "Angel of Mercy" -- D. R. Howe (Glencoe, MN) treats the wounds of Private First Class D. A. Crum (New Brighton, PA), "H" Company, 2nd Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, during Operation Hue City.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Marine Corps.
National Archives Identifier: 532484
Full Citation: Photograph 127-N-A371948; Photograph of Soldiers at Hue City; 2/6/1968; General Photograph File of the U.S. Marine Corps, 1927 - 1981; Records of the U.S. Marine Corps, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/soldiers-at-hue-city, May 2, 2024]Photograph of Soldiers at Hue City
Page 1
