An account of the Vietnam War begins with a brief but essential look at the history of Vietnam and colonialism. The region was occupied by the Chinese for more than a millennium and then, beginning in the 19 th century, by the French, while the Japanese invaded during World War II. Ho Chi Minh’s declaration of an independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam and his leadership in a war to rout the French and unify a country politically divided by Allied leadership in the aftermath of World War II coincided with the Cold War and U.S. fears of communism. This led to U.S. efforts to suppress open elections, rising U.S. military presence in the form of “military advisers,” and eventually the war. As the United States became more and more entrenched in fighting, opposition rose at home, while soldiers on both sides, and Vietnamese civilians, paid the terrible price. Freedman’s account is clear and compelling, and provides an understanding of both the political and human aspects of the war. A timeline, source notes, and selected bibliography are provided. (Age 12 and older)

A comprehensive overview of one of the most controversial wars in America's history written by masterful children's historian and Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman.

With prose that is clear, concise, and enthralling, Russell Freedman presents a detailed overview of the Vietnam war.  Beginning with the rise of communism in Vietnam and detailing the increase of American involvement, Freedman then explains why, twenty years later, an exit was so difficult.

In addition to explaining the complex beginnings of the conflict through the catastrophic damage the war caused, Freedman concludes with a hopeful epilogue on modern Vietnam.  This is a definitive resource for young history readers as well as anyone who wants a concise and authoritative understanding of the Vietnam War, exploring both the American and Vietnamese perspectives. 

Freedman chronicles the history leading up to the war and the unfolding events in Vietnam and in the US as increasing numbers of young men were sent into the jungles to fight. Coverage includes the French war in Vietnam, the rise of Ho Chi Minh, the fall of President Diem, the Tonkin Gulf, the Tet Offensive, the My Lai massacre, the bombing of Cambodia, and the fall of Saigon, as well as the US anti-war movement.

The book includes nearly 100 historic photographs and illustrations, as well as candid photographs showcasing the state of Vietnam today.  A glossary, source notes, bibliography and index are included.

A Junior Library Guild Selection