i am not good with history and i have an assignment on how the united states became involved with the politics in southeast Asia and how it affected the politics in the united sates. If anybody can help me it would be greatly appreciated

First, your School Subject is History.

The short answer to your question is that the U.S. was afraid the Communists would take over Vietnam. We entered their civil war (which we call the Vietnam War) at the request of South Vietnam to fight the Communists of North Vietnam.

As the war wore on with no signs of our victory, many Americans wondered why we were interfering in that part of the world and opposed the war.

For more details, check this article.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_War

Of course, I'd be happy to help you understand how the United States became involved with politics in Southeast Asia and how it affected US politics. This will require a brief overview of some key events and policies that shaped this involvement. Here's how you can approach your assignment:

1. Research key events in Southeast Asian history: Start by understanding the historical context and events in Southeast Asia that led to US involvement. Look into the colonization by European powers, the rise of nationalism, and the impact of World War II on the region.

2. Study the Cold War context: The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union played a significant role in shaping US involvement in Southeast Asia. The spread of communism and the fears of Soviet influence fueled US foreign policy decisions in the region.

3. Look into the Truman Doctrine and Containment Policy: The Truman Doctrine, announced in 1947, outlined the US commitment to containing the spread of communism. This policy led the United States to provide military and economic aid to countries threatened by communist expansion, such as Vietnam.

4. Understand the involvement in Vietnam: Familiarize yourself with the Vietnam War, which was a major part of US involvement in Southeast Asia. Explore the reasons behind US military intervention, the role of the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, and the impact of the war on both Southeast Asia and US politics.

5. Research the domino theory: The domino theory was a prominent belief within US government circles during the Cold War era. It posited that if one country in Southeast Asia fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow suit like dominos. This theory influenced US involvement in the region.

6. Analyze the impact on US politics: Consider how US involvement in Southeast Asia influenced domestic politics. Explore how the war and its controversies impacted public opinion, led to anti-war protests, and affected presidential administrations. The Vietnam War had a profound impact on American society, politics, and foreign policy.

7. Consider long-term effects: Analyze the long-term consequences of US involvement in Southeast Asia. Look into the economic, political, and social ramifications both in the region and within the United States.

Remember to use reputable sources, such as academic books, journals, and reliable websites, to gather information for your assignment. Take notes, outline your ideas, and support your arguments with specific examples and evidence. Good luck with your assignment!