Road to the White House Mini-Lesson
TOPIC: The Vietnam War, the Candidate and the Country CREDIT: This lesson was written by Mary Beth Albert of Woodland Middle School,
Taylor Mill, KY.
STANDARD:
Understands the historical perspective.
TOPIC: The Vietnam War, the Candidate and the Country
Event Date: 4/22/71 |
Air Date: 3/21/04 | Lesson-related Links | Lesson Index
OVERVIEW
The war in Vietnam polarized the nation, dividing the country into two distinct positions: those who supported U.S. involvement in the war and those who did not. John Kerry returned from serving in Vietnam and became active in the anti-war movement. In this lesson, you will read the transcript of his April 22, 1971 testimony before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. In the video clip, another veteran offers his eyewitness account of John Kerry's service. Use these resources to learn more about the candidate's military service and its impact on him today.
Video Read John Kerry 1971 testimony on Vietnam War
Watch eyewitness account from author Douglas Brinkley's Tour of Duty event on Book TV
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. John Kerry was a moderator at the Winter Soldier Investigations held in Detroit in 1971. What does the reference "winter soldier" mean? Why does John Kerry say he and others have to be "winter soldiers"?
2. In his testimony, John Kerry makes a prediction about American servicemen returning from Vietnam. What was his prediction? From your prior knowledge of American history, did his prediction come true?
3. Do you think members of the military returning from Iraq will experience similar problems? Why or why not?
4. Do the Congressmen to whom Kerry is presenting his testimony seem sympathetic or critical? How are others in the audience responding to John Kerry's report?
5. At one point, the Committee Chairman, Senator Fulbright, tells John Kerry that the legislative branch does not negotiate treaties, the executive branch does. How does John Kerry respond to that statement? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
6. Do you think John Kerry's experience as a veteran and a leader of Vietnam Veterans Against the War will help him in this election or hurt him? Why or why not?
7. After reading John Kerry's testimony about atrocities in Vietnam, do you think those experiences might have influenced the way he views military spending and if so, how?
8. Watch the clip from historian Douglas Brinkley's book about John Kerry's service in Vietnam. How convincing is veteran Mike Medeiros' account of John Kerry's conduct? Why would Douglas Brinkley, a historian, want to include multiple first-hand accounts of Kerry's actions in Vietnam?
STUDENT ACTIVITY
To pursue a topic that has captured your interest further, or to answer any questions raised, explore some of the following websites that offer more information about the United States' role in the war in Vietnam. (Note: The listing of these links does not constitute C-SPAN in the Classroom's endorsement.)
1. Interview a family member or family friend who served in Vietnam. How did he/she view their mission? How did he/she view the anti-war movement? Did his or her summation of the war change over time? What difficulties did he/she face upon return to the United States?
2. Imagine yourself in Vietnam. Write your own journal entry describing an experience in Vietnam.
IN THE COMMUNITY
