The Vietnam War and the War on Terror - 1833 Words

During times of conflict, leaders of the executive branch tend to be able to use their military, diplomatic, and executive powers more freely and face a lesser degree of opposition than is the norm. Similarly, Congress is noticeably more productive and works well with the president and their co-legislators during such circumstances. This phenomenon was observed in the early stages of the War on Terror following the events of September 11, 2001 as well as during the Vietnam War. In this research paper several factors will be considered in comparing the powers of the presidency and Congressional powers during the two wars named, ranging from the presidents during each, to public opinion, as well as the change in each of these aspects over time. One must also consider the differences in the methods of warfare used. In the conclusion, these factors together will tell us which branch of government reigned supreme during each of the two wars discussed. The Vietnam War has been highly analy zed from every angle in the years since it ended. Not surprisingly, the War on Terror has seen a similar amount of analysis due to the turmoil it put the country in, as well as the lasting effects of the catalyzing event that started it, September 11, 2001. Ending in 1975, the Vietnam War lasted 18 years while the War on Terror has continued since 9/11 for only 12, smaller by comparison but still a considerably long time. Both wars lasted through multiple presidencies; President Eisenhower madeShow MoreRelatedThe Vietnam War On Terror Essay1837 Words   |  8 PagesWith over 58,000 American lives and over a million Vietnamese lives lost and $5 billion spent, the Vietnam War (1964-1971) was America’s longest, least popular and one of its most expensive wars. With that said, it did provide valuable lessons going forward, lessons still relevant to today. Especially with the rise of Islamic extremism and subsequent ‘war on terror’, lessons like the value of underst anding local culture, being aware of long and short-term goals together, as well as having accurateRead MoreThe Justification Of War And The Vietnam War792 Words   |  4 PagesJustification of War War has been a part of the United States for over one hundred year’s beginning with World War I. The United States citizens have been engrossed in the thought, â€Å"Is war justified?† The two war that are being focused on in this paper are The Afghanistan War and the Vietnam War. It both wars could have had a peaceful protest to overcome the conflict at hand or have a meeting to talk about communism in the Vietnam War or Terrorism in the Afghan War. The right time for war is a fine lineRead MoreThe Vietnam War Was Devastating Time For Not Just America1271 Words   |  6 PagesThe Vietnam War was devastating time for not just America, but worldwide. This War lead to 1 million, four hundred and fifty thousand casualties from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. This devastating number only increased when you also take into account the other side, the Americans, with more than 50,000 casualties. One may argue that a major reason the Vietnam War occurred was due to the disagreem ent between the Soviet Reds and the Great Uncle Sam after World War 2. The Reds wanted to spread communismRead MoreTerrorism During The Vietnam War826 Words   |  4 Pagesthreats. Throughout Vietnam’s long history, there have been many cases of terrorism. During the Vietnam War, the US and other western nations committed many atrocious acts of terror against the Vietnamese population. In 1968, one of the worst acts of terrorism, the My Lai Massacre, occurred in Vietnam. This atrocious act was committed by the US. 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When problems arise people step up and take responsibility. Like in the quote from Elie Wiesel, human suffering really is everyone’s problem. In war and times of conflict, America has intervened because they believe that it is their problem to try and solve. This is evident through speeches in World War I, propaganda in World War II, lettersRead MoreCore Values And The War On Terror1749 Words   |  7 Pages Core Values and the War on Terror As I think back to the many military leaders who have taken the world stage. Not many leaders standout that have inspired or influence soldiers. Many have tried to put an end to the war on terror but have failed. The face of terror was first Al Qaeda when Osama bin Laden was relevant. Now the face on terror has a new name it s called ISIS. Everyone who was old enough to remember remembers exactly where he or she was when the two planes hit the twin towers in NewRead MorePtsd, The Price Of Freedom785 Words   |  4 Pagessounds, and terror of combat. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects thousands of American veterans each year. Is PTSD simply a weakness, or is it an epidemic? Though historically, the validity of PTSD has been argued, the pain is real, and there is a diagnosis to prove it. Combat-related PTSD stems from witnessing the suffering and death of others, and the exposure of destruction, personal danger, and injury. Heightened risk may also result from a soldier’s specific role in war. One studyRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War1244 Words   |  5 PagesBoos echoed throughout the streets of Harlem, New York in great waves of disapproval. Hippies holding up signs supporting peace, and posters opposing the Vietnam War, otherwise known as the Cold War, greeted the tired and injured soldiers. The familiarity of their hometown created a sense of peace and warmth, despite the angry cries of protest from the enraged nonconformists. As loved ones embraced their fighters, chants of outrage broke out from the hippies, and the soldiers, relieved to be homeRead MoreThe Trump Of Conscience By Martin Luther King Jr.960 Words   |  4 Pageswhat soldiers face in war. It is difficult to explain and understand the reality of war when not experienced. For example, in Er nest Hemingways’ story â€Å"Soldiers Home,† civilians did not understand the internal damage the main character, Krebs, had to face when he came back home from war. After experiencing the worst event in his life, nothing was normal anymore. Whereas, in the speech â€Å"The Trump of Conscience† by Martin Luther King Jr., he demonstrates not only the terror, but the unequal treatment