How have U.S. high school textbook depictions of World War II and Vietnam changed since the 1970s? We examined 102 textbooks published from 1970 to 2009 to see how they treated U.S. involvement in World War II and Vietnam. Our content analysis of high school history textbooks finds that U.S. textbooks increasingly focus on the personal experiences…

America has always felt ambivalent towards its armed forces. During national emergencies it has shown them support, but during longer eras of calm this has often turned to distrust and scorn. LTC Robert Bateman examines the underpinnings of this uneasy and complex relationship, which has been mirrored and expressed most intensely (sometimes in…

Today, America is being challenged to meet the needs of unprecedented numbers of wounded and disabled veterans returning from military service. In past conflicts such as those in Korea and Vietnam, approximately three service members were wounded for every one who died. However, in the current conflict in Iraq, the ratio of wounded--including…

The author asserts that it is time for social studies teachers to engage students in a review of the rift between historical reality and mythology about Viet Nam, especially in light of recent comparisons that many have made between the Viet Nam War and the current situation in Iraq. Few teachers dealt with Viet Nam at the time of the war, and…

Examining Afro-Americans in Vietnam in three novels reveals three components of their war experience: (1) a positive opportunity to prove fighting skills; (2) disillusionment when treated discriminatorily by white commanding officers; and (3) a cultural-historical search to make sense of their involvement in the war. (LHW)

Describes a trip to Vietnam and conversations with Vietnamese educators and veterans. Discusses the Vietnamese view of the war, the United States, and their own country. Urges the restructuring of U.S. social studies to emphasize positive learning about the Vietnamese from their own perspective. (DK)

Reports on a 1993 study tour of Vietnam by educators. Discusses the role of a secondary school during the struggle against French colonialism and the U.S.-Vietnam War. Argues that educators must acknowledge the humanity of the Vietnamese as the first step in designing Vietnam-related social studies curriculum. (CFR)