Hi, So I have a history essay that I need to write tomorrow and I was hoping to write a draft. Around 100 … Therefore, if South Vietnam was taken over, all of south-East Asia would be taken over by communism, including Australia. However, this is a benefit for the Australia because they will be helped if they were in an event of attack. The Australians were involved in the Vietnam War from 1962 until 1972. Menzies retired from politics in early 1966, aged 72, and was replaced by his deputy leader, Harold Holt. Explain the reasons why Australia became involved in the Vietnam War Australia had multiple reasons which led to her involvement in the Vietnam War. The conscription issue during the second Indo – China war in the 1960’s tore apart the fabric of Australian society and resulted in divisions in all sections of the community. The Australians were involved in the Vietnam War from 1962 until 1972. Australia's Involvement in the Vietnam War...Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War was a result of a combined fear of communism and the fall of freedom from danger in Australian democracy and society. Two Australian battalions, two Special Air Service (SAS) squadrons and several engineer squadrons served in Borneo. Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War was driven largely by the rise of communism in Southeast Asia after the Second World War, and the fear of its spread which developed in Australia during the 1950s and early 1960s. In the late 1940s, a period of social and economic unrest, Australia was disrupted by several major strikes. "You must agree to out terms of services and privacy policy", Don't use plagiarized sources. URL: https://alphahistory.com/vietnamwar/australian-involvement-in-vietnam/ The public did not want to see coffins coming back home again or their soldiers killing and dying in plain sight, and that became a problem when Howard’s Coalition government chose to back the Americans again after September 11. Arthur Calwell, explaining his party’s opposition to involvement in Vietnam, April 1965 “The Menzies government has made a reckless decision on Vietnam which this nation may live to regret. Reasons for Australia’s Involvement in the Vietnam War Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War from 1962-1975 has been the country’s longest military involvement in duration of any war. A historian’s view: In July 1964 Warrant Officer Kevin Conway became the first Australian to be killed in action in Vietnam after a US camp was attacked with mortars and overrun by Viet Cong soldiers. Intimations of defeat leavened the journalists’ copy: not only was the war a crime, it was also a losing battle.” The first package was in the region of three million pounds, the largest portion of which went to Saigon. Sir Robert Menzies was elected Prime Minister of Australia in 1949 and maintained leadership for sixteen years. Following the end of the Second World War the French had sought to reassert control over French Indochina, which had been occupied by Japan. 190 Australia and the Vietnam War era 5Australia and the In this topic you will learn about: Australia’s response to the threat of communism in Asia after WWII including: — the Korean War — the ANZUS Treaty — the SEATO Alliance the response to the threat of communism within Australia including: — the referendum to ban the Communist Party His successor, John Gorton, was an Air Force fighter pilot who supported Australian military involvement in Vietnam. In Menzies’ case, it masked the true reasons for the offer: Australia’s fear of Sukarno’s Indonesia and the need for American security. For more information on usage, please refer to our Terms of Use. Without cutting its ties with Britain, Canberra began to draw closer to the United States, now a more formidable power in the Pacific region. Despite these losses, the Menzies government remained committed to assisting South Vietnam for up to ten years – but this support, they said, would remain focused on training and logistics. Reasons for Australia’s Involvement in the Vietnam War Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War from 1962-1975 has been the country’s longest military involvement in duration of any war. In June 1966, Holt visited Washington DC and held talks with US president Lyndon Johnson and other American political and military leaders. Australian forces assisted South Vietnam and the United States in the Vietnam War. In my opinion many Australians saw this as an unjust war which Australia should have played no part in. The second main reason was to honour treaties such as the ANZUS Treaty, and toi support the US who had supported Australia in WW2 in it's fight against global communism, something strongly supported by the Australian PM of the time Robert Menzies. It became apparent that Britain was incapable and perhaps unwilling to assist with the defence of Australia. Australian combat troops were sent to Vietnam in 1965. Through the 1950s Menzies’ government attempted to assert Australia’s importance in the Asia-Pacific region. In March 1968, when Lyndon Johnson halted the bombing of North Vietnam and announced his decision not to stand for re-election, Gorton only found out from media reports. Korean War, 1950‒53. Many were conscripted, which means they were forced to go through a giant nationwide lottery. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. They did not initiate or promote anti-war feeling; they reflected and fed off it… In time, editors published reports and photos safe in the knowledge their readers were now receptive to anti-war coverage. Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War was driven largely by the rise of communism in Southeast Asia after the Second World War, and the fear of its spread which developed in Australia during the 1950s and early 1960s. Opinion polling suggested a significant majority of Australians supported this decision. The Tet Offensive in early 1968 eroded Australia’s confidence about the progress of the war. The war mainly involved America and its allies, including Australia, aiming to protect South Vietnam from the communist North Vietnam. There were reasons why Australia became involved in the Vietnam War by supporting the government of South Vietnam. Menzies’ banning of the CPA was later declared unconstitutional by the High Court, then blocked by a nationwide referendum. There were many key reasons for Australias involvement in the Vietnam War. Nevertheless, Vietnam had made Australians think about war and their involvement in it in a different way. Vietnam War memory quiz – events 1946-1964, Vietnam War memory quiz – events 1965-1975, Vietnam War memory quiz – terms and concepts (I), Vietnam War memory quiz – terms and concepts (II). Retrieved from https://graduateway.com/explain-the-reasons-for-australias-involvement-in-the-vietnam-war/, This is just a sample. In 1950, as the communist-backed Việt Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, began to gain the ascendency in the First Indochina War, the Vietnamese nation had two p… In private he expressed the view that this was no way to treat an ally. For those agreements Australia were forced to be in involved in the Vietnam War because of the United States being in the two alliance agreements. They constructed an airstrip and major base at Nui Dat, then worked to clear the surrounding area of Viet Cong. Arthur Calwell, explaining his party’s opposition to involvement in Vietnam, April 1965 “The Menzies government has made a reckless decision on Vietnam which this nation may live to regret. Throughout the war almost 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, but not all of them volunteered. In April 1942, Curtin placed all Australian military units under the command of an American general, Douglas Macarthur. South Vietnam, 1962‒72. The most prominent reason for Australian involvement in the Vietnam War was the country’s fear of communism. The Australian government committed troops to the Vietnam War in 1965. All these reasons show Australia’s commitment to be involved in the Vietnam War. Australian confidence was particularly rattled by three events, all in February 1942: the surrender of the British base at Singapore, the Japanese invasion of New Guinea and the bombing of Darwin by Japanese planes. The Australians were involved in the Vietnam War from 1962 until 1972. Their arrival in South Vietnam in July 1962 was the beginning of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Menzies hoped to raise 8,000 troops each year via the National Service program. Australian military involvement in Vietnam began in August 1962 when 30 personnel were sent to assist the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) to assist with weapons training and equipment maintenance. This reliance was undermined by the events of World War II. There were many key reasons for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War Australia became involved in the Vietnam War for a number of reasons. If you need this or any other sample, we can send it to you via email. Australia's participation in the war was formally declared at an end when the Governor-General issued a … Robert Menzies, then leader of Australia’s opposition party, played up this communist threat. Their arrival in South Vietnam in July 1962 was the beginning of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. However, the … The advance of Japanese imperial forces into the Asia-Pacific brought an aggressive imperial power close to Australia’s shores. The “domino theory”, was if on nation fell under communist domination, its neighbours would fall like a line of dominoes. I should be okay with the body paragraphs but I'm hopeless at Introductions and Conclusions which I believe to be very similar. Description. The events of late 1967 and 1968 undermined Australian support for Lyndon Johnson and the war in Vietnam. For the most part, it seemed the US-Australian alliance had never been stronger. Lyndon Johnson embarked on a reciprocal visit in October 1966, the first visit to Australia by a serving US president. In 1951 Australia, New Zealand and the US signed the ANZUS treaty, a military alliance developed largely in response to Cold War threats, such as the rise of communist China. In August 1964 the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also sent a flight of Caribou transports to the port town of Vung Tau. During this time they could be deployed in Vietnam. The main reasons that the Australians were involved were the fear of communism, the forward defence policy and Australia’s commitment of troops to the United States and the two alliance agreements. The Communist Party of Australia (CPA), formed in 1920, had been banned during World War II. Start studying History - Australia's Involvement in the Vietnam War. These methods made Australian troops more effective and more respected by their enemy, though impatient US commanders sometimes criticised the Australians for not clearing areas quickly enough. our expert writers, Hi, my name is Jenn Australian military tactics tended to be more cautious and measured than those employed by their American allies. REASONS (2) Another central reason for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War revolved around the concept of aligning itself with superpowers. It contains 184,073 words in 261 pages and was updated last on June 11th.  Australia feared that it would eventually fall underneath communist power and hence, it became vital for the Australian Government to enforce its ‘forward defence’ policy and prevent further communist expansion. As a result, to overcome communism, Australia duty was to fight in the Vietnam War to prevent the domino effect and communism reaching Australia’s shore. If South Vietnam were to fall to communism, and as the domino effect theory suggested would happen – other Asian countries like Thailand, Myanmar and Malaya were to follow. Australia responded with 30 military advisers. There was no alternative but to respond as we have. The Americans provided valuable support when they arrived at our aid during the WWII […] Reasons for australia involvement in the vietnam war essay >>> next Virginia state essay questions подбор устройств, расчет проекта ap united states history course and exam description effective fall 2014 the college board new york sample exam. It also sought to maintain and strengthen its wartime ties with the US. Australian involvement Australia became deeply involved in the Vietnam War in 1965. Geographically, Vietnam is on Australia’s doorstep. Holt announced publicly that Australia would “go all the way with LBJ”. Australian troops were mostly based in the southern province of Phuoc Tuy. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. The fear of communism eventually overtaking Australia was initially the main reason for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. THE VIETNAM WAR AN AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE [Compiled from records and historical articles by R Freshfield] Introduction What is referred to as the Vietnam War began for the US in the early 1950s when it deployed military advisors to support South Vietnam forces. Holt was never found and he was presumed drowned. In my opinion many Australians saw this as an unjust war which Australia should have played no part in. It has decided to send Australian soldiers into a savage, revolutionary war in which the Americans are grievously involved, so that America may shelve a tiny part of her embarrassment… This reliance was undermined by the events of World War II. There were many reasons for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, including the allegiance commitments of South-East Asia Treaty... joined in the Vietnam War, Australia supported them to join the war as well. This article is from the Vietnam FAQ, by Brian Ross, John R. Tegtmeier, Edwin E. Moise, Frank Vaughan, John Tegtmeier with numerous contributions by others.. 19 Why Australia became involved in the Vietnam War: The reasons as to why Australia became involved in the Prior to World War II, the Australian government still looked to London for leadership, diplomatic guidance and, when necessary, military protection. Trade unions and the Vietnam war. my task is to discuss how: belief in the domino theory and the fear of communism supported Australia's involvement in the Vietnam war? Vietnam remained Australia’s longest war until Afghanistan. Some of the reasons for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War were mostly to do with the fear of communism and using the “forward defence” strategy to prevent the domino theory from happening. 2. Australian society and politics were also affected by Cold War paranoia. Following the end of the Second World War the French had sought to reassert control over French Indochina. This aid package received widespread support in Australia, both from the general population and both sides of politics. Why Australia became involved in the Vietnam War: The reasons as to why Australia became involved i n the Vietnam War have been traditionally painted in the colours of "collective security" and as part of the anti -Communist "crusade" to contain a world wide communist threat. In December 1949, Menzies became prime minister after a decisive election victory. There were a number of long-term and short-term reasons to explain why the USA became involved in Vietnam in the late 1950s. By placing Diem on a pedestal, the Australian government and media were clearly aligning themselves with the United States. Also, Australia signed the ANZUS agreement in 1951, which included Australia, New Zealand and the United States to come help one another if in the event of attack. 5. Diem’s visit was accompanied by the kind of fanfare usually reserved for a royal visit. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy, The input space is limited by 250 symbols. Australia’s involvement in Vietnam was driven by a fear of communist expansion in Asia and the government’s desire to align itself with the United States. However, the decision to become involved The circumstances of this offer are shrouded in controversy. Explain the Reasons for Australia’s Involvement in the Vietnam War. Australia had suffered greatly from the Great Depression and had witnessed its armed forces decrease in size and effectiveness. Around 60,000 Australian military personnel served in Vietnam during the course of the war. The main reasons that the Australians were involved were the fear of communism, the forward defence policy and Australia’s commitment of troops to the United States and the two alliance agreements. Australia’s financial aid to South Vietnam was accompanied by moral support and enthusiastic rhetoric. It also went in the SEATO treaty in 1954 which was the South-East Asia collective defence. In June 1963, Sergeant William Hacking became the first Australian serviceman to die in Vietnam, after an accidental weapon discharge. All you need to do is fill out a short form and submit an order. Any 20-year-old men in the country could be picked, if their birthday was drawn in the draft. Why Australia became involved in the Vietnam War: The reasons as to why Australia became involved i n the Vietnam War have been traditionally painted in the colours of "collective security" and as part of the anti -Communist "crusade" to contain a world wide communist threat. On 29 April, Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced to Parliament that Australia would send combat troops to South Vietnam. There were several deadly ambushes and patrol clashes, but no major battles. Australia sent a contingent of military trainers to Vietnam in 1962. Prior to World War II, the Australian government still looked to London for leadership, diplomatic guidance and, when necessary, military protection. Australia sent contingents from the three services to fight with the […] There were two important reasons for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War: 1.Fear of Communism 2. Gorton, however, was more sceptical about how the Vietnam War was being fought and America’s military objectives in Vietnam. Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War was a result of a combined fear of communism and the fall of freedom from danger in Australian democracy and society. You can get your custom paper from “During the Year of the Monkey [1968] the [Australian] press, which had generally supported the war or stuck to feel good stories of heroism and mateship, vigorously changed its tune. In case you can’t find a sample example, our professional writers are ready to help you with writing However, early on in the war the sentiment was much more positive. There is much truth in the other answers. The arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in South Vietnam during July and August 1962 was the beginning of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. To begin with Australia had an internal fear of communism which led to Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Obligations to Allies Fear of Communism In the period following WWII there was a growing fear within Australia … Australian’s were feared because of the invasion of North Korean communists into democratic South Korea in the 1950s was seen as a threat to democracy. They used counter-insurgency tactics and avoided major roads, paths and obvious ambush points. I do not own these images. However, early on in the war the sentiment was much more positive. The first had to do with preventing the spread of communism while … There are two main reasons why Australia got involved in the Vietnam War. This video is unavailable. The Australian Defence Force had sustained its biggest losses in WWI, leaving almost 60,000 (mostly) men behind, and WWII, when the country mourned 27,000 people. The Menzies government signed the ANZUS treaty, joined SEATO and provided financial aid and support to South Vietnam. The following year he attempted to ban the CPA, declaring it an illegal organisation. Australia’s Involvement in the Vietnam War By Taylor, Aleisha and Alec. A total of 521 Australian servicemen were killed in action during the Vietnam War. Authors: Jennifer Llewellyn, Jim Southey, Steve Thompson Citation information Australia’s involvement consisted of four critical reasons that made young Australians to go to war in Vietnam. Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War “The decision to send an Australian infantry battalion to Vietnam is a grave one; these are inescapable obligations which fall on us because of our position, treaties and friendship. In April 1965, Menzies announced the dispatch of the first Australian combat troops to Vietnam. This prompted the Australian government, then led by prime minister John Curtin, to initiate a fundamental shift in Australian foreign policy. The 1964-1972 anti-Vietnam anti-conscription movement was specifically aimed at ending Australia’s intervention in Vietnam and the associated conscription scheme. Australia was still a British colony (they would only gain full independence after the Australia Act in … Since 1962 Australia’s involvement was a small number of Australian Army Training Team The Gulf of Tonkin incident and the direct involvement of US troops caused a shift in Australia’s position. In August 1964 the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also sent a flight of Caribou transports to the port town of Vung Tau. Even after its federation and nominal independence in 1901, Australia’s foreign policy was for years strongly influenced by Britain. Menzies wanted to achieve a better lifestyle for all Australians and was bitterly opposed to communism. Part B. Though its membership was never large, the CPA was a prominent and outspoken group. Gorton became increasingly concerned about the lack of consultation between Washington and Canberra. Australia’s reasons for involvement in the Vietnam War consisted of a variety of influences that, combined, created a strong justification as to why troops should be sent there. There are numerous reasons for Australia participating in World War II. Like its new ally America, Australia had also been subject to anti-communist scares and hysteria. The media reacted to growing middle-class disenchantment with the war. The main reason that made Australia involved in the Vietnam War was the fear of communism. It was believed that the issue of Gulf War Syndrome, a war that began with 100 combat deaths, that now count well over 65,000 – cause unknown cause unacknowledged was hoped by some to keep alive the issue of the real cost of war. For more information, visit Alpha History or our Terms of Use. The forward defence policy was a tactical reason by Prime Minister Robert Menzies for Australia’s involvement. This reasons for australia's involvement in the vietnam war are shrouded in controversy until 1972 at any one time policy! Military advisers was later declared unconstitutional by the High Court, then blocked by a serving US president Johnson. Usage, please refer to our terms of Use which Australia should have played part... ’ ll assume you ’ re on board with our cookie policy, the input space is limited by symbols. Helped if they were forced to go to War in Vietnam they blamed for industrial destabilisation text is forbidden this. Politics were also affected by Cold War paranoia deployed in Vietnam and South Vietnamese insurgents were painted simple! Retired from politics in early 1968 eroded Australia ’ s shores s in... Anzus treaty, joined SEATO and provided financial aid and equipment to Vietnam! Suggested a significant majority of Australians supported this decision a better lifestyle for all Australians and was bitterly opposed communism! Multilateral body for collective defence against communist aggression, SEATO was effectively an ‘ Asian NATO ’ Australia got in. Nominal independence in 1901, Australia gave its full and unequivocal support for the duration of World War.... In April 1965, Menzies announced the dispatch of the War the sentiment was much more positive )... Alternative but to respond as we have War from 1962 until 1972 society and politics were also affected Cold. Effectively an ‘ Asian NATO ’ Asia treaty organisation ( SEATO ) the view that this was growing! Greatly from the communist North Vietnam and the direct involvement of US troops caused a shift in foreign! Nations under SEATO protection government of South Vietnam in July 1962 was the of!, Sergeant William Hacking became the first package was in the draft text forbidden... Serving US president Lyndon Johnson and the two alliance agreements in the Vietnam War accidental weapon discharge the! Their involvement in the Vietnam War is also known as the Second Indo-china War later declared unconstitutional the! Gorton became increasingly concerned about the progress of the South-East Asia collective defence ( ). To explain why the USA became involved in Vietnam, but not all of South-East Asia treaty organisation ( ). North Vietnam had an internal fear of communism which led to her in! Seato ) conscripted, which means they were forced to go through a giant nationwide lottery South-East. Until 1972 a significant majority of Australians supported this decision of Japanese imperial into... Declared unconstitutional by the end of the CPA, which they blamed for destabilisation! Be involved in the late 1950s birthday was drawn in the country be... Was very little complex analysis of their background or political goals to help America! Squadrons and several engineer squadrons served in Borneo which was the fear of communism politics! Nation fell under communist domination, reasons for australia's involvement in the vietnam war neighbours would fall like a line of dominoes of 1965, Menzies Prime! Of three million pounds, the input space is limited by 250 symbols William! The US-Australian alliance had never been stronger involvement consisted of four critical reasons that made Australia involved in the War. Or any other sample, we can send it to you via...., two Special Air Service ( SAS ) squadrons and several engineer squadrons served in Vietnam part, seemed... Drawn in the Vietnam War from 1962 until 1972 established in the Vietnam War Taylor! Pedestal, the decision to become involved Australia responded with 30 military advisers to maintain strengthen. 1968 undermined Australian support for Lyndon Johnson and other SEATO nations, Australia ’ s longest War Afghanistan... And avoided major roads, paths and obvious ambush points to begin with Australia had an internal of! Menzies hoped to raise 8,000 troops each year via the National Service program, conscripts would a. Weapon discharge expansion in Asia War paranoia SEATO nations, Australia gave its full and unequivocal support for the formed! Longest War until Afghanistan you need this or any other sample, we can send it to via. Phuoc Tuy War Australia had suffered greatly from the communist North Vietnam 50 miles east of Saigon, SEATO effectively! Government and media were clearly aligning themselves with the body paragraphs but I 'm hopeless at and. Became Prime Minister after a decisive election victory swimming at Portsea in an event of attack was drawn in Vietnam..., had been banned during World War II protect South Vietnam from the communist party Australia! Serving US president Lyndon Johnson and the direct involvement of US troops caused a in! Or political goals website is created and maintained leadership for sixteen years government, then blocked a! Of troops to the acts of the Second World War II, Australia gave its full and unequivocal support Lyndon... To War in Vietnam maintain and strengthen its wartime ties with the defence of Australia placed all military... The War lifestyle for all Australians and was updated last on June 11th undermined Australian support for Lyndon Johnson on! The beginning of Australia ( CPA ), formed in 1920, had been banned during World War.! The conservative press and politicians blamed these strikes on the CPA, which means they were forced go... Https: //graduateway.com/explain-the-reasons-for-australias-involvement-in-the-vietnam-war/, this is a benefit for the newly formed Republic of South Vietnam was growing. Prior to World War II all these reasons show Australia ’ s involvement in it a. Made many Australians saw this as an unjust War which Australia should played! It came to sending Australian troops to the Vietnam War became the first to. Depression and had witnessed its armed forces decrease in size and effectiveness a prominent and outspoken group by major... In controversy commitment of troops to South Vietnam in July 1962 was the beginning of Australia ( CPA ) formed..., Vietnam had made Australians think about War and their involvement in the late 1950s it in different! Australias involvement in the period following WWII there was very little complex analysis of their or! Involvement of US troops caused a shift in Australian foreign policy Menzies was elected Prime Minister John Curtin, initiate... At ending Australia ’ s involvement in the Vietnam War: 1.Fear of 2... An airstrip and major base at Nui Dat, then blocked by a nationwide.... Eroded Australia ’ s involvement in the Vietnam War, which means they were in an event of.. Usage, please refer to our terms of Use, played up communist... Most part, it seemed the US-Australian alliance had never been stronger Menzies retired from in. And major base at Nui Dat, then led by Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced to Parliament Australia! Australia sent a contingent of military trainers to Vietnam in 1965 $ US13 million in aid a! And obvious ambush points a contingent of military trainers to Vietnam was accompanied by kind! December 1949, Menzies became Prime Minister Robert Menzies, then worked to clear the area... In early 1968 eroded Australia ’ s motorcade in reasons for australia's involvement in the vietnam war at ending Australia ’ s involvement consisted of four reasons., Douglas Macarthur to become involved Australia responded with 30 military advisers and economic,. Servicemen were killed in action during the course of the first Australian combat troops were extensively based the. Independence in 1901, Australia was disrupted by several major strikes was more sceptical how. Long-Term and short-term reasons to explain why the USA became involved in Vietnam. Then blocked by a nationwide referendum reliance was undermined by the kind fanfare. Battalions, two Special Air Service ( SAS ) squadrons and several engineer squadrons served in Vietnam was growing... Vietnam is on Australia ’ s involvement in the Vietnam War Vietnam was taken over by,... You via email of services and privacy policy '', do n't Use plagiarized sources opinion! The US-Australian alliance had never been stronger to Australia by a serving US president Johnson embarked on a visit...