Exploring Vietnam War Stories

Explore the Vietnam War in your classroom through the lens of Maryland Veterans that experienced it first-hand. From the Gulf of Tonkin incident to the fall of Saigon, the experiences and testimonials of local soldiers help to convey the complexities of a war that divided American public opinion. The following modules are designed using video clips from MPT’s documentary film “Maryland Vietnam War Stories.”

Select a topic below to find lesson modules and additional primary and secondary sources to integrate into your classroom instruction.

Tips for using the modules in your classroom

screenshot from The Gulf of Tonkin and the Americanization of the WarHow did the Gulf of Tonkin resolution “Americanize” the war in Vietnam?

> Go to The Gulf of Tonkin and the Americanization of the War

screenshot from EscalationHow did the escalation of the war in Vietnam impact the Americans serving there in the armed services between 1965 and 1968?

> Go to Escalation

screenshot from Tet OffensiveWhy is the Tet Offensive considered a turning point in the Vietnam War?

> Go to Tet Offensive

screenshot from Agent OrangeWhat were the human, environmental, and economic consequences of using Agent Orange in the Vietnam War?

> Go to Agent Orange

screenshot from VietnamizationHow did President Richard Nixon’s policy of Vietnamization impact American soldiers in Vietnam?

> Go to Vietnamization

screenshot from Anti-War MovementWhy did many Americans oppose the Vietnam War?

> Go to The Anti-War Movement

screenshot from The MediaDid the media shape American public opinion regarding the Vietnam War, or was the media simply reflecting opinions that already existed?

> Go to The Media

screenshot from The MediaWas the invasion of Laos and Cambodia legal and justified?

> Go to The Invasion of Cambodia and Laos

screenshot from The MediaWas the fall of Saigon in 1975 a victory or a defeat?

> Go to The Fall of Saigon