Vietnam War (America at War) - Hardcover

This riveting history includes a clear discussion of the roots of American involvement in Indochina in the days just after World War II and goes on to explore the varied and complex motives behind America's effort to halt the spread of communism in Asia. In clear, lucid prose, Maurice Isserman explores the critical questions surrounding the United States experience in Vietnam: What led President Lyndon Baines Johnson to commit combat troops in 1965? How was it possible for North Vietnamese to suffer a military defeat in the Tet Offensive in 1968 and yet achieve a political victory? What has America learned from the experience of fighting in Vietnam? The need for objective and accurate information about the Vietnam War has never been greater than it is today. This excellent resource is a perfect starting point for students who want to get the facts about this tragic episode in American history. New box features cover topics such as why the counterculture flourished during the war; how the war helped win Nixon the election and helped lose him the presidency; and why Vietnam continues to haunt Americans.