The Vietnam War and Its Effects on Society During the 1960's

The 1960's were a time of radical change in the society of America. A sense of liberalism could be felt though out the counting during the middle of the decade. The infamous Vietnam War and the new alternative culture were pushing the United States towards a time of liberalism and a nationwide rebellion against the social norms. The first combat forces were sent to Da Nang in 1965, by a formally anti war President, Lyndon B Johnson. The question of why the United States was engaging in a war between North and South Vietnam was raised. Anti war rebellions sprouted up all across the country, all asking the same question, “What are we fighting for?” This alternative culture started to develop though out America. Men, women, youth and adults started to rebel against the normality of society. This shift was described as a shift to the “new left.” The 1960's were a time of change and growth though out the youth of America, with the involvement in the Vietnam War helping to push this forward. The development of the this alternative culture influenced the country from conservative views, to more liberalistic and free minded views. The United States involved themselves in a war between North and South Vietnam in 1965, and this marked a change in society. Lyndon B. Johnson was the President of the United States during this time period. His decision to occupy American troops with the duty of a war that did not affect the U.S. was unknown and often questioned. In the presidential election of 1964, Lyndon Johnson claimed that, “We don’t want our American boys to do the fighting for Asian boys. We don’t want to get involved in a nation with 700 million people and get tied down in a land war with Asia .1” Despite Johnson’s claim to plan on staying out of the current war in Asia, the dispute arose and the United States of America worked its’ way towards involvement in the Vietnam War. Despite the small size of the war, it was considered one of the most important2 wars