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Reflecting on the Military
Welcome to your new issue of History Happenings, a ProQuest publication that puts current events into historical context.
Your new issue contains hands-on lesson plans that employ Historical Newspapers,
History Study Center,
SIRS Decades, and World Conflicts Today (free trials) to power learning for students in middle through high school and beyond.
Don't miss our 2-minute videos for all of our research-ready, standards-aligned resources to take full advantage of the unique, quality content that's only available from ProQuest.
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Tension, Controversy, and Change
Theme Overview
May is the month of both Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. In short, it's a month given to reflections on the military, wars past and current, and the veterans who have fought and sometimes died for their country.
This editon of History Happenings features content and lessons from ProQuest social studies resources that explore the tension between Memorial Day ideals and celebrations, issues facing Vietnam veterans, the controversy surrounding photographing the coffins of fallen soldiers, and the changing nature of warfare in the face of technology.
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Memorial Day Observances:
To the Cemetery or the Beach?
ProQuest Historical Newspapers
The first thing that comes to mind for many Americans when they hear the term "Memorial Day" is a relaxing, fun-filled weekend. Of course, to those families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty, the day means something different all together.
In this new activity from ProQuest Historical Newspapers, explore the tensions between Memorial Day ideals and celebrations in newspapers and American culture.
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Photographing the Fallen
World Conflicts Today
Last May, photographers enjoyed their first full month of access to military coffins returning to Dover Air Force Base.
Learn about the history of the 18-year-long ban on photographing the transfer of fallen soldiers, the controversy the ban stirred up, and the choices surviving families make in this new teaching activity from World Conflicts Today.
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Warfare in the 21st Century
History Study Center
One of the most important influences on the historical evolution of warfare has been technology. Technological developments have led to advances in weaponry, transportation, communication, and surveillance.
In this new teaching activity from History Study Center, learn about some of the ways that technology has shaped modern warfare and what implications these changes have for both soldiers and civilians.
2-Minute Videos
ProQuest Research Tools
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Vietnam Veterans
SIRS Decades
The Vietnam War was the most unpopular American war of the 20th century. When it ended, many Americans thought that the war effort had not been worth the cost in terms of financial resources or human life.
Television coverage of the war's battles, disclosures of atrocities committed by U.S. troops, and President Richard Nixon's secret decision to bomb Cambodia divided American public opinion. The government faced tremendous pressure from protesters who opposed the war and the draft. These protests had far-reaching effects. Upon returning home, many Vietnam veterans struggled to come to terms with the public opposition to the war.
In this new teaching activity from SIRS Decades, learn about the experiences of military veterans who have returned home after serving their country.
Welcome Home, POWs
After returning home from Vietnam, many of those who had served in the military struggled to find work and adjust to civilian life. Some veterans reintegrated back into American society, but others resented public opposition to the war and the lack of appreciation for their sacrifices.
They felt that anti-war protests were misguided and unpatriotic. Also, a large number of former soldiers endured physical disabilities, depression, and fears that they had been poisoned by Agent Orange or other chemicals used in Vietnam.
SIRS Decades Lesson Plan
- Have students read the following articles about what Vietnam veterans faced once they returned from fighting in an unpopular war:
Find Viet Vets Feel Rejected, Deceived
U.S. Veterans of Vietnam War Rally
Psychiatrist Says "Brutalizing" Vietnam War Causes Problems
An American Tours Hanoi
Statement about the Vietnam Veteran
Proclamation Honoring Vietnam Veterans
Welcome Home POWs
Ford Unity Plea
Veterans Gaining Ground in Agent Orange Struggle
- Assign students to find and contact a military veteran. It might be a family member or relative, a neighbor, or someone the student contacts through a veteran's organization. Students should then arrange to conduct an oral history interview with that individual in which the veteran describes some of his or her experiences after returning home to the United States.
In addition to inquiring about the veteran's personal experiences and whether his or her military service was appreciated, the student might also ask how the veteran feels about public perceptions of war and perhaps even ask the individual to compare his or her experiences with those of Vietnam veterans (unless, of course, the individual served in Vietnam). However, the focus of the interview should be on returning home rather than the war experience itself.
- Prior to conducting their interviews, students should spend some time learning more about the war that the interviewee was involved in so that they have some background information and are able to formulate more informed questions. Students can search for information in SIRS Decades.
- After conducting their interviews (which should be recorded if possible), students should type up a written transcript of one or two key stories from the interview. A copy of this transcript could be given to the veteran.
- The teacher may ask students to share some of these stories with the class.
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