Task: Explain the impact of the Vietnam War in Australian Society.
INTRODUCTION
Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War impacted society in a variety of ways. Today we still deal with repercussions related directly to the Vietnam War. The War took place between 1959 and 1975, and Australia was directly involved between August 1962- June 1973. It was the longest war Australia was ever involved in and probably the most controversial. Our main purpose in the war was to fight communism as part of a treaty to stop the growth of communism within Asia and Europe. This report discusses the fundamental impacts of Australia’s involvement in Vietnam and the impact it had on Australian society including attitudes towards Asia and communism, division and dissent within Australian society and the effects of the war on Australia’s War veterans.
ATTITUDES TOWARDS ASIA AND COMMUNISM
Attitudes towards both Asia and communism were different for every individual. However, the majority of Australians were against communism. They liked their way of …show more content…
Many of the veterans developed severe medical problems as a result of a direct exposure to a hazardous chemical most commonly referred to as Agent Orange, but were denied medical assistance. A Vietnam Veterans health study concluded that those who fought in the war had a death rate 7% higher than the general male population, with the majority of death occurring from heart disease, cancer or suicide. The after-math of the war was a different experience for every solider. Many of the Vietnam veterans developed post traumatic stress disorder and after being denied the right to march in the ANZAC day parades many suffered serious mental health problems and feelings of loss as they wanted to be allowed to participate in the proud Australian