Critiques U.S. military assumptions concerning the war in Vietnam. Discusses the North Vietnamese strategic approach to gaining control of South Vietnam. Traces the history of the Vietnam War, analyzing specific U.S. military operations in Vietnam and reasons for their failure. Contends that U.S. strategic ethnocentrism lead to defeat in Vietnam.…

Outlines reasons why teaching about Vietnam is important. Presents the results of a survey designed to find out what New England teachers are teaching about Vietnam. Critiques textbooks on the Vietnam War, and offers teaching strategies for Vietnam War instruction. Recommends the use of maps, films, and videos. (RW)

Discusses the Cold War and the U.S. policy of containment and its relationship to the Vietnam War. Traces the history of the Vietnam War, and analyzes U.S. military strategies in Vietnam. Details the events of Tet. Examines the repercussions of Tet on U.S. public opinion about President Johnson and the war. (RW)

Asserts that Robert E. Lee holds a paradoxical position in U.S. history: he fought against the U.S. government and to preserve slavery; yet he is one of the most respected and revered generals and personalities in the nation's history. Reviews the historiography and changing historical interpretations of Lee. (CFR)

Reflections of an Associated Press special correspondent on a return visit to Vietnam 15 years after the war. Discusses the social and economic impact of the war on Vietnam. Examines the plight of the Vietnamese who served in the U.S. military, discussing the problems of Amerasians. Recounts the efforts of U.S. veterans to rebuild Vietnam. (RW)

Reports on the long life of the naval frigate, the U.S.S. Constitution. Nicknamed "Old Ironsides" after her defeat of the British warship Guerriere in the War of 1812, the vessel has been renovated and revered for over 180 years. Discusses the original construction and tenure as a national monument. (MJP)

Describes the Vietnam Decision-Making Computer Simulation, a computer activity designed to enhance student understanding of the Vietnam War by placing them in the decision-making role of President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Outlines variables in the simulation. Discusses the use of class journals in combination with the simulation. (RW)

Provides an insightful look at the administrative and negotiative processes that accompanied the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. Although John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev both worked to avoid nuclear war, the stress and exhaustion of the negotiating process created serious blunders. Eventually both sides backed away from nuclear annihilation. (MJP)