Provides a social and political context for the Vietnam War, with little coverage of the actual fighting. Focuses on the official documents, speeches, quotes, media commentary, and memoirs that trace the history of French, and later, American involvements in Southeast Asia.

What is a document? -- How to read a document -- Little history, by way of introduction -- First Indochina war -- Vietnam approaches America ; America responds -- Waist deep in the big muddy -- Temporary peace ; Eisenhower's Vietnam ; Kennedy's war -- America's war -- War expands ; Public debate -- Selling patriotism -- Going to war -- Soldiers at war ; Other voices ; Condition of the army -- People divided -- African-American community ; Opposition within the military -- Nixon's war -- My Lai ; Nixon doctrine ; Bombing Hanoi to the bargaining table -- After the war -- Looking back ; Legacies.