Fredrik Logevall, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Vietnam War expert, joins to delve into the historical complexities of the Vietnam War. He explores Ho Chi Minh’s transformation from a Boston chef to a nationalist leader, inspired by French literature. Fredrik discusses the effects of colonialism, American foreign policy, and the intricate dynamics leading up to the war. He highlights key events like the Geneva Conference and contrasts the leadership styles of Ho Chi Minh and his rivals, shedding light on how the war's narrative unfolded.
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Logevall's Interest in Vietnam
Fredrik Logevall became interested in the Vietnam War after reading David Halberstam's The Best and the Brightest as an undergraduate.
This sparked his interest in how the US became involved in the conflict, first with France and then independently.
insights INSIGHT
Limited Access to Vietnamese Archives
Vietnamese archives have been largely inaccessible to historians, hindering a complete understanding of the war from their perspective.
This has limited access to Vietnamese materials, but younger scholars are beginning to utilize available resources.
insights INSIGHT
Motivations for French Colonialism
French colonialism in Indochina was driven by commercial profit, national security, and a "civilizing mission".
They sought raw materials, markets, and a strategic foothold against British expansion, justifying their actions to the public as spreading civilization.
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This book by David Halberstam examines the decisions that led to the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, particularly highlighting the roles of academics and intellectuals in President John F. Kennedy's administration. It delves into the lives and policies of key figures such as Robert McNamara, McGeorge Bundy, and Dean Rusk, and critiques the 'whiz kids' who implemented policies that often defied common sense. The book covers the period from 1960 to 1965 and beyond, providing a detailed account of the strategic blunders and moral crises that characterized the U.S. involvement in Vietnam[5][4][2].
Embers of War
The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America's Vietnam
Fredrik Logevall
In 'Embers of War,' Fredrik Logevall provides a comprehensive historical account of the Vietnam War, focusing on the long decline of French colonial power in Indochina and the subsequent involvement of the United States. The book spans from the end of World War I through the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and into the early stages of American involvement. Logevall examines the policies and actions of French and U.S. policymakers, highlighting their continued pursuit of war aims despite private doubts about success. The narrative also delves into the Vietnamese perspective, particularly the role of Ho Chi Minh and his complex views on French culture and American support for Vietnamese independence.
How to Hide an Empire
A History of the Greater United States
Daniel Immerwahr
María Luisa Rodriguez Tapia
This book delves into the history of the United States' expansion beyond its contiguous territories, including its governance of islands, atolls, and archipelagos. It explores how the U.S. transitioned from colonialism to a new form of influence leveraging technology, culture, and military presence. The book covers topics such as the U.S. occupation of the Philippines, the role of English as a global language, and the impact of U.S. bases worldwide. Immerwahr argues that American empire-building began early and continued through various means, often without significant territorial expansion.
Vietnam, or Indochina as it was known, had been under French colonial rule since the nineteenth century. This was until the Vietnamese nationalist group, the Viet Minh, took on the French in 1946. Ho Chi Minh, son of a Confucian scholar, former chef in Boston, and lover of French literature, was at their head. The fighting came to an end in 1954 with the Geneva conference splitting the country in two. The northern side was to be ruled by the Viet Minh, with close links to the Chinese Communist party and the Soviet Union whilst the South, then known as the Republic of Vietnam, was to remain loyal to America. However, by summer 1963, America is taking an increasingly active role, tensions are rising and a second war is on the horizon. Listen as William and Anita are joined by Fredrik Logevall to discuss the lead up to the Vietnam War.
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