Normally I do not discuss the new books I acquire. However, considering my interest in the Vietnam War, and in particular Australian involvement, I am a little eager to list the works I have obtained in hopes of receiving suggestions for future purchases. The new acquisitions are an assortment of general histories and more focused works.
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Last week I attended my first Society for Military History (SMH) conference. For me, panels on the Vietnam War and counterinsurgency made me rethink my understanding and mental approach to my future dissertation topic. In particular, the wrong questions about the Vietnam War are being asked. Rather than arguing over whether the war was necessary or a grave mistake, historians need to move on. Questions pertaining to how the war was, and is, interpreted by the participating nations are in need of answers. For example, Thailand’s elites view the Vietnam War as a great military and economic victory. Thus scholars need to explain the varying interpretations of the conflict. In relation to my interest in American-Australian military relations during the Vietnam War-era, I now have a better idea of how to address the deep scholarship on Australia while avoiding outdated questions. Consequently, many more books have been added to my reading list.
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Back in January, I discussed my growing fascination with the Vietnam War. Last week I officially changed my doctoral concentration from the First World War to the Vietnam War. While this required changing committee chairs and some paperwork, the process removed a great deal of stress from my shoulders. There is no doubt in my mind that my academic career led me to the Vietnam War. The only reason why it took me so long to concentrate on Vietnam is because of the strong political and personal bonds many people have to the war. Now that I have realized that such political allegiance can be dealt with, I am excited to be involved in such an active field. With many topics poorly covered in the literature, or simply overlooked, the possibilities for fresh research are far too tantalizing for me to ignore.
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Efforts to deepen my knowledge of the Vietnam War resulted in being introduced to some of the more significant pro-war and anti-war songs of the 1960s and 1970s. Currently I would have say “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-To-Die Rag” by Country Joe & The Fish is one of the more provoking Vietnam-era songs. Musically the song leaves a lot to be desired, yet the sarcastic lyrics expunged enough power to help fuel the anti-war movement. That said, what are some other candidates for the best war related songs? Suggestions do not need to related to any specific war.
Behold the collection of blog entries for the 22nd installment of the Military History Carnival. Before you start reading, a special thanks is in order for everyone who submitted suggestions. Please contact Battlefield Biker if you are interested in hosting a future carnival. Now then, the following posts represent some of the best blogging since 15 February 2010. So get comfortable and start reading.
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Synopsis
The purpose of Thompson-Werk is to present the musings of a US War and Society doctoral student. Discussion topics principally center around the World Wars and Vietnam.
The opinions expressed on this site are not be confused with those of my colleagues, employers, friends, family, and/or anyone else associated with me.
Contact me with any comments, complaints, and/or questions.
Responses
- Remembering the Battles of the Isonzo - Thompson-Werk: [...] year I wrote a [...]
- 66th D-Day Anniversary - Thompson-Werk: [...] the liberation of Western [...]
- Acquisitions - Thompson-Werk: [...] Not wasting any time, [...]
- Tweets that mention A Story of Whom? - Thompson-Werk -- Topsy.com: [...] This post was mentioned [...]
- Robert: Is that a quote? [...]
