When the first Australian troops landed on Vietnamese soil, the significance of the conflict
was scarcely realised - but in time it was to affect not only tens of thousands
of Australians who served in Vietnam, but an extraordinary cross-section of
people at home.
Debate about the war continues decades later - and this book provides the vital
answers to how Australia got involved in America's war; what happened to our
trooped in Vietnam; the way protest against the war built up on the home front;
how the 'Vietnam eta' (the sixties and early seventies) impinged on Australian
attitudes and how Australian received its Vietnam veterans on their return. It
also looks at our country's relationship with the Vietnamese, now that many live
in Australia.
A top team of Australian experts show that the Vietnam War had far-reaching effects on
Australia's foreign policy, national politics and social attitudes.
First published in 1990, this newly updated edition is not only thorough, but also a fascinating
account of the whole story of the Vietnam conflict abroad and in Australia. It
contains an updated roll of honour of those who served in the Vietnam War.
Contents:
Introduction
Australia's Road to Vietnam 1945-1965
Into Battle: Counter-Revolution
Conscription and Dissent: The Genesis of Anti-War Protest
Conflict and Withdrawal 1968-1972
The War the Media Lost: Australian News Coverage of Vietnam
Mobilising Dissent: The Later Stages of Protest
At War at Home: Australian Attitudes During the Vietnam Years
Australia's Legacy: The Vietnam Veterans
After the War War Over: Vietnamese in Australia
Conclusion
notes
Roll of Honour
Those Who Served
Acknowledgements
Index
