Should any of the major powers have been involved in the Vietnam conflict?
Check out the articles on the Vietnam War at this site:
http://www.answers.com/library/American%20Military%20History-cid-1724961516
This was not a case of "should" but a case of "is". Vietnam was in the midst of a "civil" war and China and Russia were supporting one side. At that time we were in the midst of the Cold War. Therefore it was a "given" that the western powers would support the other side. One can argue that other countries should stay out of "civil" wars, however, had the Colonies not had the help of France, the results of the Revolutionary War might have been different.
For the sake of debate -- I'll take the other point of view. We lost many fine young people in this war, and many others came home broken in spirit, if not in body. And we lost the war. Vietnam is still a communist country, but is rapidly developing a capitalistic economy.
From my viewpoint, it was questionable for us to get involved to bolster Firestone Rubber and their plantations there. Somehow the US decided it was "vital" for our national interests to be there. That may or may not have been. However, in my view, when we realized that the SVN government was corrupt, dishonest, and despotic beyond understanding, and that the "hearts and minds" of the people in the countryside was not supporting them, we should have left quickly. Our government realized all that by 1965. Apparently, we overstayed our needs in supporting some false pride in being "winners", with God on our side.
History seems to repeat itself. My roomate lost his head there, literally. His body was sent back to his dad, in NYC, headless. Nobody bragged that he was a hero, and gave his life for his country. Rich kids got into the National Guard, and lead a comfy life in the States, or stayed in college for the duration.
PS.... I was not in favor of the Vietnamese War at the time. I reacted pretty much as many people my age did. I protested and I probably would have sent my oldest son to Canada should the war not have ended before that was needed. However, reading history from the "long view" ,over time one sees more dispassionately the reasons both for and against. The sites I sent you will present both sides and the middle.
The question of whether major powers should have been involved in the Vietnam conflict is a subjective one, and there are different perspectives on the issue. In order to form an informed opinion, it's important to gather information and consider multiple viewpoints.
One way to do this is by researching articles and sources that provide insights into the Vietnam War. The website mentioned in the question, http://www.answers.com/library/American%20Military%20History-cid-1724961516, offers articles on American military history, which include information about the Vietnam War.
By reading and analyzing these articles, you can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that led to major powers becoming involved in the conflict. This can help you consider different arguments and viewpoints on the matter.
It's also valuable to read books, academic papers, and other reputable sources on the Vietnam War to further expand your knowledge. Understanding the historical and political context, as well as the motivations of different countries, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
In addition, having discussions with people who have different perspectives can help you explore a range of viewpoints and arguments regarding major powers' involvement in the Vietnam conflict. Engaging in respectful debates and conversations can help you develop a well-rounded understanding of the issue.
Remember that the Vietnam War was a complex and multifaceted conflict with various underlying factors. By actively seeking and critically analyzing information, you can form a more informed opinion on whether major powers should have been involved in the Vietnam conflict.