Australia in the Vietnam War (1965-1972)
Throughout history, war has always been regarded as a very significant issue and event, and has proved itself to be exactly such. Not only does it affect the countries directly involved, but it has a widespread impact on countries worldwide, influencing social, political and economical aspects of each nation. This leads to division within society, which can be seen in many areas and aspects of a country, including its government, media, and individuals or groups in the smaller scale of community; with all this division stemming from the support, or lack of, for the war. The Vietnam War, in which Australian troops fought alongside American troops, as well as others, against South Vietnamese troops, and in a sense, against communism itself, is a key example of this. Communism is a political, economical, and social system in which the state is in control of production and distribution of wealth.
Sourced from: http://www.army.mil/cmh/books/Vietna...
English: The Vietnam Forces National Memorial in u...
English: Vietnam War Memorial on ANZAC Parade, the...The idea of this system is that everyone should be provided for equally. At the end of World War II, communism spread through Eastern Europe and Russia, and the world began to change; allegiances were broken, countries were divided, and communities were destroyed. Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War was described as inevitable, and "there was overwhelming support for Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War (1965 to 1972).", however many were against it. The Vietnam War had great impacts on individuals and groups throughout Australian society, and was certainly a war that will never be forgotten.
Australia became involved in the Vietnam War because the possibility of the spread of communism from Asia to Australia was beginning to be regarded with increasing significance, as changes in politics began to spread throughout the region. This fear was driven by another fear, of "the domino effect", which entailed...