Learning intentions
students are learning to...
- Students gain an understanding of how history’s view of the Vietnam war as largely misguided may be at odds with the experiences of those who served
Success criteria (How do students know they have achieved success?)
- Students are able to identify and state a range of views on the Vietnam war
- Students are able to express their own opinion about the need to recognise the service of those who fought in Vietnam
Relevant Film Archive On Disk footage (chapter title)
Revision quiz starter questions
- Name two types of aircraft that the New Zealanders arrived at Vietnam in. (Hercules, Bristol Freighters)
- What was the nickname given to the New Zealand troops? (grey ghosts)
Activity
Lead a discussion about the extent to which people believe those who fought and died in Vietnam are not recognised. Is it possible to recognise that a war was unnecessary or wrong, but still appreciate the intentions and role of those who served? Is history’s view of the war likely to change with time?
Activity
Students fill out the Table 4: Changing Views about the War outlining people’s views of the war and how this view may have changed with time.
Encourage the students to think about the subtle and significant changes in attitude that are possible for each individual. For example A protester may still agree with their actions in protesting against the war but feel that this should not have extended to protests upon the soldiers return from war.
Activity
Conduct a class debate: Those who fought in Vietnam are underappreciated.
Or
The view of the Vietnam campaign as misguided is unhelpful
