2023 marks 50 years since Australia's withdrawal of the Vietnam War. We were honoured to interview two War Veterans as part of our research at a commemorative service held in Cockburn. They gave us valuable insights which broadened our understanding of the war specifically in relation to change and continuity.

Vietnam had been under French colonial rule since the 19th century. During World War II, Japanese forces invaded Vietnam. To fight off both Japanese and the French colonial administration, political leader Ho Chi Minh formed the Viet Minh (League for the Independence of Vietnam), and he took control of North Vietnam. Ho and his supporters wanted a united Vietnam modelled, after other communist countries.

Following its 1945 defeat in World War II, Japan withdrew its forces from Vietnam, leaving Bao Dai the French Emperor in control. Seeking to regain control he set up the state of Vietnam in July 1949, declaring Saigon as its capital which was in South Vietnam. He wanted Vietnam with close economic and cultural ties to the West and opposed the ideals of the North Vietnam which eventually led to the longest historical conflict of the 20th Century.

From 1955 to 1975, more than 60,000 Australians served in the war as part of an allied force led by United States. The conflict was intensified by the ongoing Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.

In the early years, Australian participation in the war was not opposed. Public opposition grew as the war continued due to Australia's increased military commitment, more lives being lost, and more soldiers were conscripted.

In 1968, the launch of Tet Offensive by North Vietnam significantly escalated the scale of the war. There were co-ordinated attacks on more than 100 cities and outposts in South Vietnam. Though U.S. and South Vietnamese forces managed to hold off the attacks, news coverage of the massive offensive shocked the American public and eroded support for the war effort. Despite heavy casualties, North Vietnam achieved a strategic victory with the Tet Offensive, as the attacks marked a turning point in the Vietnam War.

This eventually led the Australian Government to withdraw its troops from South Vietnam in 1971. In December 1972, Australian Government officially declared the end of its combat role in Vietnam.

The Vietnam death toll and casualties is estimated to be around 3.8 million. 521 Australians died and around 3,000 were wounded. The aftermath of the war caused major changes to families, culture, society and industry in Vietnam and its neighbouring countries.  

Made by Maahi Shah, Veera Morar, Eva Robin  and Annamary Joby 
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