TOPIC: Events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.
2)Vietnam War was a part of the larger cold war rivalry between capitalism on one side and communism on the other. Discuss.(250 words)
World History by Norman Lowe
Why this question
Vietnam War was one of the most protracted modern wars in which the world’s most powerful country suffered defeat at the hands of a small newly independent country. Question is related to GS 1 syllabus under the following heading-
Events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to write in detail about the background, reasons and progress of the war and discuss how the war was a part of the larger rivalry between US and allies on one side and Russia along with its allies on the other.
Directive word
Discuss – we have to write in detail about the main cause of the war, goals of the warring groups and how the rivalry between communism and capitalism shaped the war.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- give a brief description of the duration of the war along with the main parties involved and battlegrounds involved.
Body –
- discuss the parties to the war in detail. e.g Army of the Republic of Vietnam and US army vs People’s army of Vietnam and Viet Cong.
- discuss the main reasons behind the war ( communism vs anti-communism headed by US).
- discuss the main goals of the warring groups and their level of involvement.
Conclusion– mention the effect of the war on Vietnam- politically strengthened but economically shattered, build up of American anti-war opinion etc and ultimately the withdrawal of US and victory for Vietnam.
