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Early U.S. Foreign Policy in Vietnam
A Document-Based Question
By David Reese
History 530B, Spring 2003
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Version]
This question is based on the accompanying documents (1-8). The
question is designed to test your ability to work with historical
documents. Some of the documents have been edited for the purposes of the
question. As you analyze the documents, take into account the source of
each document and any point of view that may be presented in the document.
Historical Context:
The U.S. War in Vietnam was the longest and second most costly in U.S.
history. Post-World War II decisions by U.S. officials, influenced by
European imperialism, World War II, the cold war, and the Korean War,
forged a policy that eventually led to U.S. involvement in the Vietnam
War.
Task: Using the information from the documents and your knowledge
of American and global history, write an essay in which you answer the
following question:
Why did the U.S. fail to take advantage of Ho Chi Minh's early appeals for
U.S. assistance in obtaining Vietnam's independence and choose instead to
pursue a foreign policy of backing first the French, then ignoring the
Geneva Accords by establishing a puppet government led by Diem?
Guidelines :
In your essay, be sure to: |
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