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The Untold Success of the Vietnam War
Many consider it failure for the United States but in some ways the Vietnam War accomplished its broader goals. The primary objective was after all to contain communism and prevent the domino effect — the fear that if Vietnam fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow suit. By fighting the Vietnam War, the U.S. intervention disrupted the chain of potential communist expansion, this is like knocking a domino out of place to prevent the other dominos from falling.
The conflict showed the world that the United States was determined to curb the expansion of communism sending a clear message to both communist and non-communist nations about its resolve during the Cold War. This dedication shaped the policies and decisions of allies and adversaries, influencing the trajectory of the Cold War even after the US withdrew.
It is plausible to speculate that the Vietnam War made the communist bloc second-guess further expansionist adventures. It didn’t curb them entirely but it had to be take into account whenever the calculus was done about expanding. The conflict demanded significant effort and focus, not just from the US but from China and the Soviet Union. Those energies might have been directed towards other objectives, had the United States not intervened. This diversion could have ultimately help stopped the spread of communism. Engaging in a…
