The concept of war is a multidimensional study of conflict, chaos, and courage. In MBC’s archival resources, many dimensions are presented by some of the world’s finest documentarians. The Vietnam War is often considered a war without closure. In this unit, students will find Grunt’s Little War, The First Televised War: A Documentary Report, and Return to Vietnam: Healing on the Hill. All represent diverse perspectives and are rooted in personal challenge and public strife.

The First Televised War: A Documentary Report:
Watch Part 1 // Watch Part 2 // Printable lesson plan

Grunt’s Little War:
Watch Part 1 // Watch Part 2 // Printable lesson plan

Return to Vietnam: Healing on the Hill:
Watch Entire Program
Printable lesson plan

* See below for suggested questions and activities appropriate for unit review use.

Key Questions

1. Who was the enemy during the Vietnam War? What was the enemy fighting for?
2. How did the United States justify its involvement in Vietnam? How did this involvement change over time?
3. What was the US strategy for winning the war in Vietnam? Did it change over time? How?
4. In what ways did the public react to the Vietnam War? Who supported the war? How was this support demonstrated? Who opposed the war? How was this opposition demonstrated?
5. How was the Vietnam War different from previous wars the United States had fought?

Questions for Writing and Discussing

1. Protests by young people were common during the Vietnam War. In your opinion, should citizens generally accept governmental authority? Why or why not?/LI>
2. In general, how did the media report the war in Vietnam? How did television in particular influence popular opinion?
3. In your opinion, was the United States justified in the role it took in Vietnam? Why or why not?
4. Compare the Vietnam War to World War II. What are the similarities and what are the differences? Can the Vietnam War be considered a good war in the sense that World War II is? Why or why not?

Check-up Questions for MBC Archives Visit

1. Did you watch or listen to a newscast, documentary or news special?
2. What was the main topic of your selection?
3. How did it relate to your study of the war in Vietnam?
4. Who were the main subjects, newsmakers, decision-makers, or people involved?
5. What did they do, think, feel, say, or believe?

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