Rev Left Radio [BEST OF] The Vietnam War
Apr 13, 2025
David Parsons, a historian specializing in the Vietnam War and author of 'Dangerous Grounds', discusses the complex narratives surrounding the Vietnam conflict. He delves into Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary journey and critiques American imperialism, highlighting formative anti-war movements. Parsons also sheds light on personal stories of veterans and the devastating consequences of the war, including events like the My Lai Massacre. This insightful conversation calls for a reevaluation of historical memory and the vital lessons that can be learned from Vietnam's struggle.
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Ho Chi Minh's Guerrilla Success
- Ho Chi Minh and his associate Yap started with very few guns against the French military.
- They used guerrilla tactics and won by slowly building political legitimacy and an army.
U.S. Cold War Motives
- The U.S. entered Vietnam mainly to prevent communist influence as part of Cold War policy.
- They supported French colonial rule financially and militarily to deny Vietnamese independence.
NLF Resistance and U.S. Repression
- The National Liberation Front (NLF) led guerrilla resistance in South Vietnam.
- U.S. strategies like Phoenix Program tried to suppress NLF but often strengthened it instead.
