Major Problems in History Vietnam War

by Robert J. McMahon (Contributor)

Designed to encourage critical thinking about history, the Major Problems in American History series introduces students to both primary sources and analytical essays on important topics in U.S. history. Major Problems in the History of the Vietnam War incorporates new research expands its coverage of the experiences of average soldiers.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Textbooks, American History

647 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

A specialist in the history of U.S. foreign relations, Robert J. McMahon is professor of history at Ohio State University. He previously taught at the University of Florida and has held visiting positions at the University of Virginia and University College Dublin.

Reviews

[Madly Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a college textbook. It's awesome. Reread because of the Ken Burns series. It's one of the best books on the Vietnam War. Lots of original sources and them various comments.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The primary sources were very interesting and added depth to the subject matter. Some info was a bit dry but that is sometimes inevitable with some primary sources.

[John Conley]

This is easily one of the best historical accounts I've ever read, presenting the many complex aspects and perspectives of the war through primary documents and arguing different points of interpretation through academic essays. The chapters are on both a chronological and topical basis, with attention paid to crucial dimensions of the conflict such as the nature and origins of the DRV/NLF, experiences of soldiers on the ground, and public discourse in the United States.

Though perhaps too dense for the lay reader, it is quite rewarding for the committed.