America officially entered Vietnam in 1965 (“Eve of Battle 38”). The U.S already had advisers in Vietnam at the time of arrival. President John F. Kennedy increased the number of advisers after taking office. He felt it necessary for further increase in U.S. help (“Barr 20”). The struggle later escalated into a major controversy that Americans will never forget. J.F.K. was eventually assassinated and Lyndon B. Johnson took over the presidency. Johnson made many decisions that greatly effected the lives of soldiers and the entire outcome of the Vietnam War.

Johnson was an important part of Vietnam. He made several big moves that helped the U.S. get seriously involved in the war. Suprisingly he did not run for another term as president. In 1968 Richard Nixon was elected presiden

t. He resigned in 1974 to avoid impeachment (“Vietnamization 114”).

Drugs were a major problem with U.S. soldiers. Obtaining heroin or marijuana was not a difficult task. Soldiers didn’t know how to cope with problems, so some used drugs. Not every soldier used drugs. Some didn’t mind the war and where fine (Stein interview”).

When soldiers came home people often criticized them. Sometimes friends or family did not care for them any more because of their participation in the war. Most Americans had bitter feelings about the whole war (“Dolan 33”).

The economy also had a major downfall in the Vietnam era. The Cost of living was starting to increase through the war. That cost Americans throughout the war (“Layman 212”).

Many young people started to rebel as the 60’s proceeded. Many drugs were used such as acid and marijuana. Sex , Drugs, and Rock n’ Rock were all part of growing up. People called “Hippies” were considered leaders in all of these affairs. Parents saw them as wrong, when all they were trying to do was express their opinions and ideas (“Barr 52”).

Jane Fonda , a protester of the war, toured Vietnam spreading her ideas about peace. She also toured North Vietnam after U.S. bombings (“Vietnamization 101”). Many people consider Jane Fonda a pest and trader to the U.S. She gave a radio broadcast that most soldiers considered wrong. She later apologized for her actions (“Stein interview”).

Suicide was not an uncommon thought of former soldiers. VA Hospitals were full and prison population was starting to show increase. Study’s show that many vets used drugs and drank alcohol regularly. They also had trouble getting employed (“Dolan 35”).

The Vietnam War didn’

Some topics in this essay:
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