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The Origins of the Vietnam War

Paletta Academy and Emmett Sullivan

Welcome to The Origins of the Vietnam War.

We are extremely fortunate to have the retired Senior Lecturer in Modern History, Emmett Sullivan (ANU, La Trobe, Leicester, RHUL & VUW) to take us through, step by step, the accounts from World War Two, through to the end of the Vietnam war, the vital actions and decisions taken by leaders, policy makers presidents and prime ministers, that enabled Vietnam to happen.

"It is like dominos, when one falls the rest follows."

Read more

Welcome to The Origins of the Vietnam War.

We are extremely fortunate to have the retired Senior Lecturer in Modern History, Emmett Sullivan (ANU, La Trobe, Leicester, RHUL & VUW) to take us through, step by step, the accounts from World War Two, through to the end of the Vietnam war, the vital actions and decisions taken by leaders, policy makers presidents and prime ministers, that enabled Vietnam to happen.

"It is like dominos, when one falls the rest follows."

Beyond the academic value of the programme to politicians, history students and educators  this programme is for anyone who has travelled to the beautiful country of Vietnam, and is maybe interested to know more about their recent history and how such a terrible war, a complex war, could break out and take the lives of so many innocent people.

This is the largest course we have produced at Palleta and we are very proud of this production. We hope you enjoy it. Vietnam is an important war, like all wars, that teaches us much more about humanity and our world.

The echos and ripples of the wars of the 20 century seem to all morph into one big struggle and through the knowledge and insights, gained from the war in Vietnam, we can come to understand why this, in order to pave the way to a brighter future for all.

(please note that we are currently rebranding the course so some videos may still have old branding)

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Detailed account of events, from world war two leading up to the vietnam war
  • Key politicians and figures that played an integral part in the vietnam story
  • Ho chi minh, mao, stalin, eisenhower, kennedy, lbj and many others
  • The space race and the cuban missile crisis
  • Vietnam war depiction in music (woodstock) and film (oliver stone) and rambo
  • The lasting impact of the vietnam war

Syllabus

‘An Unwinnable Colonial Struggle’ - Origins of the Vietnam War
Programme Introduction
Programme Overview
We begin in 1945 with the war of liberty and the worlds Empires are at war. Here you will understand the seeds and foundations that enabled the Vietnam war to happen.
Read more
A War of Liberty
The French Empire in 1945
The French Colonial Wars
Four Stages of the First Indochinese War
Ho Chi Minh to the end of World War 2 - Part 1
Vietnam and Independence: 1945-49
Vietnam and Independence: 1950-54
Vietnam and Independence: 1945-54 Review
Conclusion
Well done for completing Week 1! Just a quick question
WEEK 2: The U.S., China and Korea, 1945-53
Overview
Introduction
Orwell: ’You and the Atom Bomb’ & ‘1984’
Cold War: Remembrance
Cold War: Ideology
Cold War: Conflicts & Events
Cold War: Beginnings
Atomic Diplomacy
The USA and the Post-War Transition
The Truman Doctrine
The Malayan Emergency 1948-60
The Berlin Air Lift 1948-49
The Marshall Plan 1948-52
The Rise of Chinese Communism, the Long March, 1937-49, the PRC
The Long March
World War to Civil War
New China and the Cold War
East Asian Tensions, China and Korea
China and Korea
WEEK 3: The Domino Theory: Eisenhower & East Asia
The Doomsday Clock
1953 - The Death of Stalin (5 March)
1953 - East German Uprising
1953 - The First Soviet H-Bomb
Eisenhower and the First Indochinese War
1954 - French Indochina & Eisenhower
1954 – After Geneva
1954 - Castle Bravo
Recurring difficulties mid-1950s
1956 - Suez, Poland and Hungary
1957 - Sputnik
1957 - North Vietnam under Ho
1957 – South Vietnam under Diem
1958- U.S.-UK Mutual Defence Agreement
1958-62 The Sino-Soviet Split
Countdown to Conflict
Lets test your knowledge
Le Duan and Ho Chi Minh, Early Stages of the Space Race, Cuban Missile Crisis, JFK, The Missiles of October, The End of Diem, Johnson and the Escalation into War
Lesson Introduction
Lesson Overview
Le Duan and Ho Chi Minh
The Early Stages of the Space Race
MAD was MAD
JFK 1961- 62
Countdown to the Cuban Missile Crisis
Kennedy and his Legacy - Post Cuba
Diem and Vietnam
End of Diem ... and Kennedy
All the way with LBJ
Escalation into War
The (Second) Vietnam War
Just checking in
A Legacy into the Twenty-First Century, Mohammed Ali, Martin Luther King, Vietnam depicted in film, Afghanistan, Dan Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers, How does this leave Vietnam
'All the way with LBJ'
Lesson introduction
Lesson overview
Watchmen
Woodstock
Those who did – and did not – fight
Mohammed Ali, MLK and Vietnam
Film at the time_ M.A.S.H.; Catch-22; Slaughterhouse-Five
Film at the time/ M.A.S.H.; Catch-22; Slaughterhouse-Five
Coming Home; The Deer Hunter; Apocalypse Now
Did the Anti-War Movement in America 1965-75 represent a return to isolationism?
The Oliver Stone’s Vietnam War Trilogy
Just a quick question
5.8 Afghanistan: – the Soviet Union’s ‘Vietnam’
Dan Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers, The Post and The Doomsday Machine
How does this leave Vietnam?
Lesson Conclusion
Concluding quiz

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a detailed account of events from World War II leading up to the Vietnam War, offering a comprehensive historical perspective
Examines the roles of key politicians and figures like Ho Chi Minh, Mao, Stalin, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and LBJ, which is essential for understanding the political landscape of the time
Explores the depiction of the Vietnam War in music (Woodstock) and film (Oliver Stone, Rambo), offering insights into the war's cultural impact
Discusses the Space Race and the Cuban Missile Crisis in relation to the Vietnam War, which helps contextualize the conflict within the broader Cold War
Explores the lasting impact of the Vietnam War, which is crucial for understanding its significance in contemporary global politics and international relations
Requires learners to understand the seeds and foundations that enabled the Vietnam war to happen, which may require prior knowledge of the World Wars

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Origins of the Vietnam War with these activities:
Review French Colonial History
Reviewing French colonial history will provide a crucial understanding of the context in which the First Indochina War and, subsequently, the Vietnam War, unfolded.
Show steps
  • Read articles on French Indochina.
  • Summarize key events and figures.
Read 'Vietnam: A History' by Stanley Karnow
Reading this book will provide a comprehensive historical context for understanding the origins and complexities of the Vietnam War.
View Paris in the Fifties on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book chapter by chapter.
  • Take notes on key events and figures.
  • Reflect on the broader themes.
Create a Timeline of Key Events
Creating a timeline will help you visualize and understand the sequence of events that led to the Vietnam War.
Show steps
  • Identify major events from 1945-1975.
  • Place events in chronological order.
  • Add brief descriptions of each event.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Read 'The Best and the Brightest' by David Halberstam
Reading this book will provide a critical perspective on the decision-making processes that led to the escalation of the Vietnam War.
View War in a Time of Peace: Bush, Clinton, and the... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book carefully.
  • Analyze the decisions of key figures.
  • Consider the consequences of those decisions.
Write a short essay on the Domino Theory
Writing an essay will help you analyze and articulate the impact of the Domino Theory on US foreign policy during the Vietnam War era.
Show steps
  • Research the Domino Theory.
  • Outline the main arguments.
  • Write a concise essay.
Create a Presentation on Vietnam War Depiction in Film
Creating a presentation will allow you to explore the cultural impact of the Vietnam War through the lens of cinema.
Show steps
  • Select 3-4 relevant films.
  • Analyze their portrayal of the war.
  • Prepare a presentation with visuals.

Career center

Learners who complete The Origins of the Vietnam War will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
A historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the past. This course on the origins of the Vietnam War helps build a foundation in modern history, particularly regarding the complex political and social dynamics of the mid-20th century. A historian would benefit from the detailed account of events leading up to the Vietnam War by delving into the key figures like Ho Chi Minh and Eisenhower, and their impact, as highlighted by this course. Studying the progression of events from World War Two through to the Vietnam War helps a historian understand the interconnectedness of global events.
See salaries and explore the career path for Historian
Political Analyst
A political analyst examines political events and policies, often focusing on their causes and effects. For a political analyst, this course offers insight into the decisions of leaders and policymakers – such as presidents and prime ministers – which led to the Vietnam War. The course covers the roles of figures like Kennedy and Johnson, as well as the impact of the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Space Race, all critical factors for understanding the political landscape of that time. Understanding this history helps a political analyst better understand current events.
See salaries and explore the career path for Political Analyst
International Relations Specialist
An international relations specialist works to understand and navigate the complex relationships between countries. This course on the origins of the Vietnam War provides an in-depth look at the global political climate during the mid-20th century. An international relations specialist will benefit from understanding the different stages of the conflict, from the French colonial wars to the later involvement of the United States. Learning about the roles of figures like Stalin and Mao, and the impact of events like the Cuban Missile Crisis, will be immensely helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Specialist
Political Scientist
A political scientist studies the theory and practice of politics. This course on the origins of the Vietnam War, with its in-depth overview of political decisions and historical events, will help a political scientist understand the dynamics of conflict and international relations. The course's discussions of key figures, such as Kennedy and Johnson, and the Cold War, help deepen a political scientist's understanding of how political decisions shape history. It may also help someone who wishes to specialize in the politics of the mid-20th century.
See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist
Foreign Service Officer
A foreign service officer promotes U.S. interests abroad and works on issues of international relations. This course on the origins of the Vietnam War will be of use to a foreign service officer as it provides a detailed look at the historical context and political dynamics of the Vietnam War, and the period leading up to the war. Learning about the decisions made by world leaders and their impacts makes this course useful for anyone looking to understand conflict and international relations. The course's examination of the Cold War provides further context for understanding modern world politics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Service Officer
Diplomat
A diplomat is a skilled negotiator who represents their country's interests abroad. This course's detailed look at the political and historical circumstances of the Vietnam War is useful for a diplomat seeking to understand the complexities of international relations. The course may enhance a diplomats understanding of the decisions made by leaders from the mid 20th century and their impacts. Learning about the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the various political figures involved equips a diplomat with insights that can be applied to current geopolitical issues.
See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat
Social Studies Teacher
A social studies teacher educates students in history, government, economics, civics, and geography. This course on the origins of the Vietnam War provides a thorough historical overview of the period, which is critical for a social studies teacher. This course may be helpful for a social studies teacher as it provides a deep understanding of the complex decisions and actions of the political leaders like Kennedy, Johnson, and Ho Chi Minh. The teacher can also bring a historical analysis of the Vietnam War into the classroom.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Studies Teacher
Archivist
An archivist manages and preserves historical records and documents. The course provides a detailed framework for understanding the origins of the Vietnam War from World War Two, which is vital for any archivist dealing with materials from this period. An archivist can use this knowledge to understand the historical context of documents and artifacts related to this war. By studying the key politicians and figures mentioned in the course, an archivist can better classify historical materials.
See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist
Policy Advisor
A policy advisor provides guidance on the development and implementation of public policy. This course examining the origins of the Vietnam War may be useful for a policy advisor, as it explores the decisions of leaders and policymakers that led to this conflict. Understanding events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Sino-Soviet split, covered in this course, helps build an understanding of complex international relations, which is useful in policy creation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Advisor
Lobbyist
A lobbyist seeks to influence government policy and legislation on behalf of a particular group. A lobbyist may find this course on the origins of the Vietnam War to be helpful, as it reviews the important decisions and actions of political figures and policy makers. The course outlines how policy decisions can escalate into conflict, providing valuable knowledge that a lobbyist can apply to influence contemporary policy issues. Learning about figures like LBJ and their actions could inform strategies for influencing policy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lobbyist
Intelligence Analyst
An intelligence analyst gathers and interprets information to assess threats and opportunities. This course on the origins of the Vietnam War, with its focus on the political climate of the mid-20th century, may be helpful to an intelligence analyst. This course provides background information on the complex political and military decisions made during the period, including those surrounding the Cold War, Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Space Race. By reviewing the decisions made by previous leaders, an intelligence analyst can better understand how conflicts may arise.
See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Analyst
Journalist
A journalist researches and reports on current events. This course on the origins of the Vietnam War can help a journalist by providing an understanding of mid-20th century history, which is still relevant today. Learning about the decision making processes of leaders, as well as the impact of historical events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cold War, aids a journalist in providing context to their reporting. Understanding the various factors that led to the Vietnam conflict, can also inform a journalist on how similar conflicts evolve.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Museum curator
A museum curator is responsible for the acquisition, care, and display of museum artifacts. This course provides detailed historical context for understanding the Vietnam War's origins, which is helpful for a museum curator working on exhibits related to this period or the mid twentieth century. Knowing about leaders like Ho Chi Minh and their role in history, also helps curators make meaningful decisions on how to show items from the era. A museum curator can use this information to curate engaging and thought-provoking displays.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator
Documentary Filmmaker
A documentary filmmaker creates films that explore factual topics. This course on the origins of the Vietnam War helps build a foundation for a documentary filmmaker who might cover events from this period. The course provides an overview of the key political leaders and decisions that shaped the conflict. A documentary filmmaker can rely on this information or be inspired by it when developing their own narratives. The course's discussion of media portrayal, including films like *Apocalypse Now*, is also relevant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Documentary Filmmaker
Grant Writer
A grant writer is responsible for researching and writing proposals that seek funding for various projects. This course on the origins of the Vietnam War may be useful for a grant writer who is working on a proposal related to history, politics, or international relations. The course offers a detailed and contextualized account of decisions and actions by leaders that led to war, as well as the impact of the Cold War and related tensions. Learning this history helps a grant writer understand the complexities of the subject, and can help build a stronger grant application.
See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Origins of the Vietnam War.
Cover image
Paris in the Fifties
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnamese history, focusing on the period leading up to, during, and after the Vietnam War. It offers valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural factors that shaped the conflict. It is often used as a textbook in university courses on the Vietnam War. It provides a detailed narrative and analysis of the key events and figures involved.
Paris in the Fifties
Paperback
$$
Cover image
War in a Time of Peace
Save
Examines the decisions made by the Kennedy and Johnson administrations that led to the escalation of the Vietnam War. It provides critical insights into the personalities and motivations of key policymakers. It is valuable as additional reading to understand the decision-making processes during the war. It explores the hubris and miscalculations that contributed to the conflict.
War in a Time of Peace: Bush, Clinton, and the...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Effort
7 total hours
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Udemy
Instructors
Paletta Academy
Emmett Sullivan
Language
English
Good to know
Provides a detailed account of events from World War II leading up to the Vietnam War, offering a comprehensive historical perspective
Examines the roles of key politicians and figures like Ho Chi Minh, Mao, Stalin, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and LBJ, which is essential for understanding the political landscape of the time
Explores the depiction of the Vietnam War in music (Woodstock) and film (Oliver Stone, Rambo), offering insights into the war's cultural impact
Discusses the Space Race and the Cuban Missile Crisis in relation to the Vietnam War, which helps contextualize the conflict within the broader Cold War
Explores the lasting impact of the Vietnam War, which is crucial for understanding its significance in contemporary global politics and international relations
Requires learners to understand the seeds and foundations that enabled the Vietnam war to happen, which may require prior knowledge of the World Wars
Share and help others discover this course.
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