Vietnam: An American Ordeal

Vietnam: An American Ordeal provides a comprehensive narrative history of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia, from 1942 to 1975. Unlike most general histories of U.S. involvement in Vietnam—which are either conventional, diplomatic or military histories—this text synthesizes the perspectives to explore both dimensions of the struggle in greater depth, elucidating more of the complexities of the U.S.-Vietnam entanglement. It explains why Americans tried so hard for so long to stop the spread of Communism in Indochina, and why they ultimately failed.

This history of Americàs involvement in Vietnam places the war in the context of European colonialism, social revolution, and Cold War foreign policy. Americàs growing involvement in the conflict, its changing policies, the domestic crisis, and the continued legacy of the war are all considered. Appendices include a pronunciation guide, a glossary, tables, and a chronology of U.S. involvement from 1942 to 1975. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)