I was only a child when the conflict escalated and dragged the USA into the malestrom, but I can remember the civil turmoil as the war dragged on and my annoyance that Harold Wilson refused to help our allies. I was still a teenager then and in hindsight it was one of Wilson's smarter decisions.
I thought as I am going to Cambodia and Vietnam next year that I should get a better idea about the conflict.
If one is able, I would recommend that you take the time to watch the series. I have just finished viewing the footage where the American 7th cavalry [ Airborne] deliberately decided to take on three whole battalions of Vietcong, even though a deserter had warned them of the numbers they were facing. Talk about re living a historical mistake. The unit survived, just. Although it took the entire US airforce to stabilize the situation and stop them from being overun.
Brave men on both sides and very moving. And yet we still make the same mistakes. Never start a war unless one has an aim and knows how we are going to get out of the damn thing.
Recommended.
Hm I may have just proved what a dinosaur I am in commenting on this post. Unsure so I'll comment again.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with your assesment. This well worth following even those of us for whom the war is still living memory. As a seventy year old I followed the war with interest in the papers and TV. After all we had been told that it was the fiorst in a long line of dominos that would tumble if the west lost the war. Watching this series now , I am amazed how little I know about the war. We really were spoon fed what our leaders wanted us to know despite it being the first TV war. We seem to have forgotten just how much the world has changed with the interweb and social media things which have at times put us right there on the frontline within minutes. Yeap I agree. Good series , Good TV and much to learn
There is nothing wrong with being a dinosaur. I found the interviews with the North Vietnamese really interesting. It was also enlightening to hear the tape recordings of LBJ. I knew he was a shrewd cookie so was surprised when he allowed the country to be sucked into the conflict whilst recognising that there was no real aim or exit strategy. History repeating itself again.
DeleteRob I agree. I used to have quite A large Vietnam War collection but it went the journey maybe 30 years ago. A great bit of t.v.
ReplyDeleteWith all this down time you must be getting lots of painting done.
Colin,
DeleteAlthough I grew up during the conflict I really had no idea of the background really. The BBC have put together a great piece of history without showing any bias to either side.
Yes, a very interesting television series and I, too, am thoroughly absorbed in its viewing.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very good piece of television, for a change.
DeleteThe eye opener for me was hearing that Ho Chi Minh asked the Americans to support his Vietnamese independence movement from France, following the end of WW2. His request for help was ignored. Imagine how history might have changed had the U.S. supported Uncle Ho before he turned to China and Russia for,help.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great series.
I also found that surprising. What an opportunity!
DeleteHistory is full of ifs.
Just watched episode 6 last night. I know we all complain about the absolute tosh on TV but series like this justify putting up with all the rest of the rubbish. Vietnam is a fascinating country and we had one of our v best holidays ever there. Lovely people, beautiful scenery, great grub and if you want clothes made, I thoroughly recommend the tailors.
ReplyDeleteGuy