The Vietnam War | Part 1 | Vietnam and the War | Free Documentary History

In this episode: Vietnam's early history, its people, dynastic struggles, and invasions. The French, the Japanese in WWII, and the rise of communism in 1941. The emergence of Ho Chi Minh, nationalism into communism. The effect of the domino theory, JFK's assassination, and the Gulf of Tonkin incident. The US is drawn into bloody conflict.

I was 17 years old when I got to Vietnam-1966 through 1969 (My mom had to sign a waiver for me), I grew up fast and learned a lot, good and bad. (I am now 73 and still learning). I was stationed on the USS Providence and also stationed in Country at a place called "Monkey Mountain" close to DaNang,. I spent 3 tours of duty in and around Vietnam. 3 of my high school friends were killed in Vietnam, I was spared. I participated in the TET Offensive in Feb 1968, that was bad. Somewhere along the way I was exposed to Agent Orange (Nasty Stuff) I am now on disability for the effects of agent orange. When I was discharged and came home to the States we arrived in San Francisco, and there were a lot of protesters spitting on us and throwing rocks and eggs and called us baby killers. That was our welcome home. I tell you this to say to you, that whatever your position is or was on the Vietnam war, it was not the veteran who got us into the war, most of us went because we were patriots and loved our country. Blame the politicians, yes, but not the veteran. To all Vietnam Vets out there, you are not forgotten. As a previous combat Vet myself, I salute you my friend.

my grandfather is a North Vietnamese sniper he is a rare fluent English speaker he participated in the battle of Khe Sanh was wounded he was taken prisoner he became acquainted with American soldiers he was given a lighter by American soldiers. the fire zippo had the Florida flag engraved on it and he still keeps it to this day and 2 months ago he met the owner of that zippo in danang, it's a pretty precious thing to collect.

I am Vietnamese, born and raised. I always have a mixed feeling toward the America Vietnam war veterans and this kind of documentaries help to open my eyes a lot. We were taught from elementary school history classes that the US politicians, especially the 3 presidents involved, are the ones that bear all the responsibility. The vets, not so much. We were taught that a lot of them didn't want to come here to kill our people, a lot of them were teenagers and a lot of them "accidentally" shot and injured themselves to avoid those killing sprees. We were taught that a lot of them were good people, just like our big brothers and uncles. These stories are in our elementary school text books. But I couldn't find any sympathy for them because our family story is not like those heartwarming stories. My grandfather (born in 1922) had 2 of his brothers tortured and killed by Americans on our rice field because our buffalo was on their way (?), and his youngest sister was raped to death by Americans soldiers, she was 14yo at the time. My whole family doesn't hate V war vets like how you hate China and Russia, but I always thought they should. I was always confused about how we Vietnamese don't have hatred toward the vets, the people that directly caused the harm. I have grown now and understand a lot of things that the small brain of my younger self couldn't. I still have puzzled feelings but it is surely not hatred. And apparently our family story has a good ending. I don't know if any of you are still alive but I want to thank you, the Americans that took those monsters back to our rice field, executed them in front of my family and apologized. I just want to let you know, my grandfather told me that that's not your fault, you're not like those monsters, whatever fault you thought was yours, my great grandparents have had forgiven you already. To all the VN war vets, I am sorry for what you have had to experience, may your Gods, who ever they are, bring peace to your souls. If possible please come back to Vietnam and see how we are doing, you are always welcome.

As a Marine in Viet Nam from Jan '69-Aug '70, this was a better documentary than most I have viewed. Although there are many other nuances that could have been covered, it would take more than could be covered in a 2 part 2 hr project. Without a doubt, a war the U.S could have easily avoided.

I'm from Algeria respect vetnam

I was sure back in the ‘60s, that everyone was hip, then they sent me off to Vietnam on my senior trip. They forced me to become a man while I was still a boy & behind each wave of tragedy, I waited for the joy & the silence made me cry. (Vietnam Veteran -1969-)

I am Vietnamese. Today, my country is no longer at war. Vietnam is currently one of the most peaceful and developed countries in the world. Vietnam was severely damaged by the war, the Vietnamese people rose up with their own extraordinary energy, the US and its allies did not pay war compensation to Vietnam. VN is a great travel destination, VN welcomes all friends from all over the world.

To be honest, I personally think Vietnam's history is the most intriguing. Under the command of the great Mongol General and Statesman Kublai Khan, the Mongol Empire peaked its power controlling roughly 28 million sq. km of territory, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to central Europe, which is more than 3 times of China's land area and almost double that of Russia. However, the Biblical epic David versus Goliath actually came true when the mighty Mongol Empire was bitterly defeated by the tiny Vietnam in the Viet-Mongol Empire war at the end of the 13th century, which forever brought an end to great Genghis Khan's dream of conquering the entire world, including the Asian continent. Historically, all the powerful Chinese dynasties for thousands of years had been unable to conquer Vietnam. Also, who could forget the Dien Bien Phu Battle? Most recently, even 5 great American presidents spanning over 20 years could not deter the Vietnamese from gaining their independence and freedom. Indeed, the Vietnamese culturally know about war much better than any of their mighty enemies.

I would like to extend my sincere admiration and total respect to the courageous people of Vietnam.

My grandpa served in the Vietnam war. He was lost in the jungle for over 30 days. I’m so proud of him and others that were able to get out. I wish he was able to share stores with me when I was younger. He had a gent orange and a bunch of health issues. May he rest in peace ❤

Couldn't have more respect for the guys who fought this impossible war, thank you for your service, you guys are badass

my grandfather came back from vietnam so hardened and quiet, it took the family a long time to heal from what the war took from him. may he rest in power. i miss u rooster

Long live Vietnam ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ we love you Vietnam all the way from Trinidad and Tobago

Still remember the “ Napalm Girl ” photo concerning the War in Vietnam ? This helped a lot to end the US War in Vietnam . This photo was taken in June 8 , 1972 . In case you will visit Vietnam in the near future , please try to arrange a visit to the Handicapped Handicraft Factory and buy some souvenirs there . Many workers there are the victims of Agent Orange and their offsprings , who were born handicapped as well . It is sad that US is still waging Wars around the World after 50 years 😥 😯 !

Has anyone else been on a war documentary binge? I dont know why, maybe because it's been a few years since i graduated but i miss history class, those teachers were always the best

After the war, many Vietnamese came to South Texas to work in the fishing/shrimping industry on the Gulf coast. They encountered some resistance and racism, but didn't whine or complain. They quietly worked their tails off, impressing many Texans. They are now thoroughly integrated into suburban middle class Texas. Amazing people!

Having served in our Navy during this time 1965 to 1969, I saw. from some distance. that the problem was that the PEOPLE OF VIETNAM did not want us there fighting to support a GOVERNMENT that THEY THE PEOPLE did not support. The excuses that OUR government used to do what was done, resulted in many of my "brothers-in arms" loosing their lives in a futile fight. Many of us "Nam Vets" still believe we died in vain to placate the political fears of our national leaders. I am proud to have served my country, I am not proud of what my country did in Vietnam, not the men who did their duty, the leaders who sent them to fight and die. Between Johnson and Nixon many young lives were lost for little to nothing. And to think, The North Vietnam leaders were once on our side, but be decided that the word communism made them the enemy. It's been some sixty years for me and this still gives me trouble dealing with it. ;-)

I am impressed by the soundtrack of this documentary, as well as the footage... Thanks for uploading!

Huge respect to people fighting the war, especially the Vietcong Guerilla force for defending the country against a massive supernation of on the world.