The Vietnam War Primary Sources

The Vietnam War Primary Sources

Historical documents. What clues can you gather about the time, place, players, and culture?

President Eisenhower's Promise

President Eisenhower's letter to South Vietnamese leader Ngo Dinh Diem promising aid against the North, October 1954.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Text of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution approved by the U.S. Congress, August 7th, 1964. Plus, we've got an entire learning guide devoted to this document.

Ridenhour's Confession

A letter from Ron Ridenhour, a former GI, describing the My Lai massacre and its cover-up, March 1969.

Vietnamization

President Nixon explains his "Vietnamization" plan to the American public, November 3rd, 1969.

From the Other Side

Memories of the Vietnam War, "from the other side."