Example research essay topic: Australias Involvement In The Vietnam War - 1,191 words

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Following the withdrawal of the last Australian troops in 1972 more than 46000 Australian personnel had served in Vietnam. This is out of a population of approximately 11 million. Of these, 3000 were wounded and almost 500 were killed. Australia became involved in Vietnam because of a longstanding alliance with the USA since World War 2. It can be argued that Australias involvement in the Vietnam War had its origins in the Cold War. By 1945 the world had been divided between two superpowers: the USA and the USSR.

The animosity and conflict that arose between the two nations was known as a cold war because it did not involve direct conflict with the USA formally fighting a war with the USSR. These two superpowers had a major ideological and political difference: the USA was and is a democratic, capitalist nation; the USSR was communist. Australia is also a democratic, capitalist nation and has been a formal ally of the USA since World War 2. 1949 and 1950 are two key dates in Australias involvement in Vietnam. In 1949 China became a communist country.

In 1959 communist North Korea invaded democratic South Korea. Australia supported the US in maintaining democracy in South Korea. The fear was that if one country in Asia fell to communism many more would follow; this is known as the domino effect. As a result, the US became involved in Vietnam from 1959 to 1973 and due to our alliance with the US; Australia became involved from 1965 to 1972. The period 1949 - 1966 is known as the Menzies Era. Robert Menzies became Australias longest serving Prime Minister and during his time in office Australia read its highest standard of living.

As a result, Australians were fearful about the rise of communism in countries throughout Europe and Asia. Communism saw basic freedom and civil rights taken away from its citizens under the pretence of equal rights for all; thus limiting the growth of communism became a major issue in Australian politics. As the US had dealt with another fear of post-war Australians, Japanese resurgence; keeping communism at bay became a priority. Australias alliance with Brittain no longer provided strategic security in the Asia Pacific region and as a result the US became out strongest ally. In order to ensure Australias security the government signed treaties with countries in the region; these included ANZUS (Australia, New Zealand and United States) and SEATO (ANZUS members and several other countries). Members of these treaty organizations meant that these countries would support each other in both foreign and domestic threats.

French involvement in Vietnam ended in 1954 with the signing of a truce in Geneva. The truce was signed by the French Union (representing South Vietnam) and the Viet Minh forces. Vietnam was divided into two parts at the 17 th parallel and following this approximately 900, 000 people (many Catholics) migrated south to avoid the repressive regime of Ho Chi Minh. The United States supported the government of South Vietnam and by 1964 was engaged in a full-scale war with the north.

By the time of the Vietnam War Australia had a forward defence policy, which was based on the principle that it would be much better to fight communism on foreign soil rather than wait until Australia is threatened. There was also the belief that if one country in Asia fell to communism many others would follow; this became known as the domino theory. In 1964 Australia sent combat troops into Vietnam and in 1966 the Liberal Government was re-elected with Harold Holt the new Prime Minister. At this point it became apparent that the majority of Australians supported Australias involvement in the war.

All the way with LBJ (P; Mackay; 129) stated by Prime Minister Hold sums up Australias support of the US at this time. Lyndon Johnson became the president of the United States following the assassination of John Kennedy in 1963. Robert Menzies had claimed that the government of South Vietnam made a direct request to Australia for aid and support. The truth of this statement has been challenged; however, there is no evidence to support the argument that Menzies lied nor is there any valid reason for Menzies to lie. The Australian people feared communism and this was a real fear at this time throughout the free world.

Australia needed a strong ally in the Asia Pacific region and the United States was that ally. Australias involvement in Vietnam went from 1962 to 1972. One of the most well known military units serving in Vietnam was The Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV). This unit was awarded four Victoria Crosses for bravery and numerous other decorations of honour.

The initial objective for deploying this unit was to train troops from the South Vietnamese Army. The Team as it was known fought in the field alongside the units they trained and quickly gained respect as brave soldiers and independent thinkers. ([url]brittain's-small wars. com/Vietnam/AATV. htm[/ur l]) The National Service Act was passed in 1964. It required all 20 -year-old males to register for service in the military. Selection was by ballot according to date of birth.

As a result, man people in Australia saw this process as unfair; for example, the Battle of Long Tan in 1966 was seen by most Australians as another chapter in the glorious ANZAC tradition. (Mackay; 2003: 137) However, as Australian soldiers began to die, and especially NASHOS, the Australian publics mood began to change. (NASHOS was he term used for Conscripts. ) An important area occupied by the Australian troops in Vietnam was Vung Tau. This area was chosen for several reasons. Firstly it has a deep-sea port, which meant that the troops could receive fresh supplies from the sea, which saved huge costs in transport. Secondly by having a base near the sea it meant that if an evacuation was necessary it could be dine relatively quickly. Vung Tau was also important to Australian troops because it was a relatively safe area so it meant that they could relax and not always carry a weapon. It could be argued, that by number, the Vietnam War was not remarkable; the statistics state that there were 504 soldiers killed in Vietnam.

Not a huge number given the years of involvement. However, the Vietnam War and Australias involvement in this war cannot be measured in statistics. It was a war that generated dissent within Australian society and gave a voice to extremist anti-war protesters. It was a war that politicians argued hat Australia and especially the Liberal-Country Party had an unfounded pre-occupation with the threat of communism. However Cowie provides evidence that In both the 1966 and 1969 elections the Australian public declined to elect the Labour Party to office and in so doing confirmed support for the commitment to the war. (1998: 262) Perhaps the last word should be given to a Vietnam Veteran, Brian Hennessy of Lota Queensland Im proud of my role and my behaviour in Vietnam. My role was honourable and my behaviour was disciplined.

You need to be reminded of this Australia. (cited in Cowie; 1998: 251)

Research essay sample on Australias Involvement In The Vietnam War