But Have You Heard About?

If niche history topics, or little known conspiracy theories are things you want to know more about, you've found the perfect new podcast for you. Is the earth actually hollow? Did Europeans use sports as a way to bond as colonizers? Tune-in as host Courtney explores these and other historical subjects, teaches new trivia and small talk pieces to the masses. You don't want to miss it as Courtney will have a plethora of rotating guests to add some spice to the conversation.

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But Have You Heard About?

What Led to the Vietnam War?

April 04, 2023 • Courtney and her cool friends • Season 4 • Episode 4

What did you think of todays' episode?

When we think about the Vietnam War, most Americans think of the at home protests, Forrest Gump and other movies after the 70s that showed the war through different angles, the casualties of soldiers, forced draft and draft dodgers, PTSD and more that came with the conflict. And cue Fortunate Son by CCR with the montage.

But…why was the US even involved in what was going on with Vietnam? That wasn’t in the US’s sphere of influence, like South America was, nor was Vietnam a contender in WWI or II. THAT question is what I go over in today's episode of But Have You Heard About? Spoiler alert, this all has to do with colonialism...and a sprinkle of communism. But colonialism and the vacuum that was left by the colonizers leaving. Ho Chi Minh is not a hero in American history, but he is in Vietnamese history, and while I barely touch on his contributions in today's episode, I do strongly suggest reading more about him if you are so intrigued.

For more reading about this topic:
https://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/teachers/lesson_plans/pdfs/unit12_1.pdf

https://www.history.com/news/vietnam-war-origins-events

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_invasion_of_French_Indochina