Download or read book The Origins of the Vietnam War written by A. Short and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-06-11 with total page 364 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study examines the origins of the Vietnam War itself, going back to the nature of French colonial rule in the early 20th century. It investigates the original conflict between France, as well as the United States, and the forces of Vietnamese nationalism and communism. It argues that it was probably a mistake for the United States to internationalize the war in 1954 and it discusses the American commitment to the war, directed as much against China as against North Vietnam and the ideological hostility to communism.