Cultural Impact of the War
Overview
No American conflict of the twentieth century divided the country as much as the Vietnam War. The advanced technological innovations available to the American media in the 1960s and 70s allowed them to capture the atrocities of war on a daily basis in a way that had never before been possible. Videos and pictures portrayed the violence and horror that took place during the conflict, painting the American government and armed forces in a very polarizing manner. These mass media sources gave a visible picture of the everyday American soldier and the difficulties of war that he was forced to live with. The constant presence of the American media made it difficult for the government to cover up casualty and death totals, allowing the general public full knowledge of the carnage that occurred during the conflict. American media sources also made it clear how the war had affected the Vietnamese people, as approximately two million local people lost their lives during the gruesome conflict (Vietnam Democide Sources). |
Portrayal in Popular Culture
More than 750 novels, 250 films, 100 short-story collections, and 1,400 personal narratives have been published about the war in Vietnam (Digital History). These books and films put the Vietnam War squarely in the public's consciousness in the years that followed the conflict, ensuring that Americans would never forget the twenty years that their country was involved in Vietnam. Books and films depicted the Vietnam War in a way that showed the negative affects of the conflict, the negative impact it had on American soldiers, and the needless deaths that came as a result of the American government's decision to stop communism in Vietnam. These representations of the conflict greatly helped to make the Vietnam War a staple of popular American culture, as many contemporary Americans continue to learn about the horror stories that occurred in the Vietnam jungle forty years ago.
More than 750 novels, 250 films, 100 short-story collections, and 1,400 personal narratives have been published about the war in Vietnam (Digital History). These books and films put the Vietnam War squarely in the public's consciousness in the years that followed the conflict, ensuring that Americans would never forget the twenty years that their country was involved in Vietnam. Books and films depicted the Vietnam War in a way that showed the negative affects of the conflict, the negative impact it had on American soldiers, and the needless deaths that came as a result of the American government's decision to stop communism in Vietnam. These representations of the conflict greatly helped to make the Vietnam War a staple of popular American culture, as many contemporary Americans continue to learn about the horror stories that occurred in the Vietnam jungle forty years ago.
Consequences
After the United States withdrew from the Vietnam War, it experienced many significant changes to its culture. In 1973, Congress replaced the military draft with an all-volunteer force, while it reduced the voting age to 18 in 1971 (26th Amendment). The Vietnam War also led to the establishment of the War Powers Act, which restricts a president's ability to send American forces into combat without explicit Congressional approval. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees have helped restore blighted urban neighborhoods. The Vietnam War also severely damaged the U.S. economy, as the presidency of Lyndon Johnson led to a cycle of vicious inflation. The unpopularity of the Vietnam War caused America to be hesitant in helping other oppressed countries for much of the next two decades. President Johnson's unpopular leadership during the war greatly weakened the strength of the Democratic party with Republican candidates enjoying victories in many of the following elections. Perhaps the most important consequence that came out the Vietnam War was the overwhelming suspicion and lack of trust that the American public developed for government and authority. Today, many Americans remain divided over whether the Vietnam War was simply a mistake or really an instance of brutal government abuse and misuse of power. Signs of the conflict continue to exist in contemporary American culture, ensuring that Americans will never forget Vietnam.
After the United States withdrew from the Vietnam War, it experienced many significant changes to its culture. In 1973, Congress replaced the military draft with an all-volunteer force, while it reduced the voting age to 18 in 1971 (26th Amendment). The Vietnam War also led to the establishment of the War Powers Act, which restricts a president's ability to send American forces into combat without explicit Congressional approval. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees have helped restore blighted urban neighborhoods. The Vietnam War also severely damaged the U.S. economy, as the presidency of Lyndon Johnson led to a cycle of vicious inflation. The unpopularity of the Vietnam War caused America to be hesitant in helping other oppressed countries for much of the next two decades. President Johnson's unpopular leadership during the war greatly weakened the strength of the Democratic party with Republican candidates enjoying victories in many of the following elections. Perhaps the most important consequence that came out the Vietnam War was the overwhelming suspicion and lack of trust that the American public developed for government and authority. Today, many Americans remain divided over whether the Vietnam War was simply a mistake or really an instance of brutal government abuse and misuse of power. Signs of the conflict continue to exist in contemporary American culture, ensuring that Americans will never forget Vietnam.