The Vietnam War

ED: The following is an essay written by a 14yr old Year 8 student … She has done herself proud a merely 14. What do you think?

Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War was a significant event in the nation’s history. The war lasted from 1955 to 1975 and involved many countries, including the United States, South Vietnam, North Vietnam, and Australia. Australia’s involvement began in 1962 with the deployment of military advisors to South Vietnam, and it continued until the end of the war. This essay will examine the reasons for Australia’s involvement in the war, the impact it had on the country, and the legacy that remains today.

Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War can be traced back to the Cold War era, which saw the United States and its allies, including Australia, attempting to contain the spread of communism. The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Robert Menzies, believed that the communist threat posed by North Vietnam was a direct threat to Australia’s security. Therefore, Australia committed troops to the war effort in the hope of preventing the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

The initial deployment of Australian troops to Vietnam began in 1965. The first Australian combat troops arrived in South Vietnam in May of that year. Over the course of the war, more than 60,000 Australian military personnel would serve in Vietnam, with a peak deployment of around 8,000 troops in 1969.

The war had a significant impact on Australia, both politically and socially. Initially, support for the war was high, with many Australians believing that it was necessary to prevent the spread of communism. However, as the war dragged on and the casualties mounted, public opinion began to shift. Many Australians began to question the legitimacy of the war and the government’s decision to commit troops to the conflict.

The impact of the war on the soldiers who served in Vietnam was also significant. Many veterans suffered from physical and mental health problems as a result of their service, and they often struggled to readjust to civilian life upon their return. The government’s treatment of veterans also came under scrutiny, with many feeling that they had been neglected and not adequately supported upon their return home.

Today, the legacy of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War is still felt. The war had a profound impact on Australian society, and it remains a contentious issue to this day. The government’s decision to commit troops to the conflict is still debated, and the treatment of veterans is still a source of controversy. The Vietnam War also had a significant impact on the way in which Australia engages with the world, with many Australians becoming more skeptical of involvement in foreign conflicts.

In conclusion, Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War was a significant event in the country’s history. The decision to commit troops to the conflict was driven by a desire to prevent the spread of communism, but it had far-reaching consequences for the country. The impact of the war on the soldiers who served and on Australian society as a whole is still felt today, and it remains a contentious issue.