Analyze The Causes Of The Vietnam War Dbq

The Vietnam War was the U.S’ longest and most exhausting war- the only war the U.S had ever lost, had far-reaching consequences and impact on most American life from the economy, culture to domestic politics and foreign policy- some of which continue to do so today. The American military had entered Vietnam as a world superpower from World War 2 but left Vietnam with a humiliating defeat, shockingly high casualties, the American public sharply divided and its leaders uncertain of who to trust with its foreign policy. The Vietnam War was from 1955 to 1975 and fell under 5 different presidents filled with scandals and conspiracy theories. After World War 2, North Vietnam declared itself as an independent nation with Communist Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh gaining control over the nation. The Geneva Accords called for a
After the War when many veterans began to occupy seats in Congress, Congress took action to create new acts to prevent another “Vietnam” to happen. As stated in Document 7 in the War Powers Act,” Such sixty-day period shall be extended for not more than an additional thirty days if the President determines and certifies to the Congress in writing that unavoidable military necessity respecting the safety of the United States Armed Forces…” This act was created to limit the U.S from taking action in another country for meaningless wars. It represented the perspectives of the American public and Congress who wanted less action taken by only the president. The Vietnam War also led Congress to end the draft and create an All-Volunteer Army. The 26th Amendment was also created to lower voting age after the notion that an 18-year old man could fight for his country but not vote or drink alcohol legally was passed over the American people. These actions represented the legislators and politicians desire to restrain presidential power and to prevent further U.S involvement in a war like