The Vietnam War changed the United States and its people forever. Lasting from 1955 to 1973, the Vietnam War became the longest battle in American history. For the first time, the United States failed to achieve its primary goal in entering the war. Unlike any other American war, the Vietnam War introduced new war tactics and new enemies that would ultimately cause great damage. When the first war was broadcast on television, Americans were able to see what was happening on the battlefield, which allowed the war to affect not only the soldiers, but also the American citizens. Overall, the Vietnam War divided the nation, affected politics, and would have a lasting effect on American society and foreign policy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Unlike other American wars, the United States did not enter the Vietnam War at any specific time. Gradually moving into overtime, the United States has employed several strategies and for different reasons. In 1950, President Truman provided economic and military resources to the French who were fighting for control of their part of Indochina. After the defeat of the Vietnamese nationalists against the French, a communist Vietnam was created north of the 17th parallel. President Kennedy then sent special operations forces to South Vietnam to help fight communist guerrillas. After Kennedy's assassination, President Johnson committed the United States to the war by authorizing bombing of targets north of the 17th parallel. The war began without American participation, but there was a direct cause for the entry of American troops. Every enemy in Vietnam was considered an agent of communism. Once the Communist Party overtook China, the United States feared the situation would spread further. With communism opposing democracy, violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, shutting down trade, and military aggression, the United States viewed the disease as one that would spread if not stopped. Several aspects of the Vietnam War distinguished it from all other American wars. As the first war covered by the media, many conflicts in the United States arose due to the length of the war witnessed on television. People started focusing on news and numbers, which caused chaos across the country. In Vietnam, new tactics, weapons and equipment were used, which increased the brutality of the war. With a long, drawn-out war and enemies fighting with guerrilla tactics, the United States is unprepared for what it faces. For the first time, the United States did not have the upper hand and would eventually escape without a victory. Although the Vietnam War was fought abroad, at home America was affected in its entirety, including its politics. Opposition to the war became a theme throughout America, causing people to lose faith in the system. The 1960s were marked by major changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the anti-war movement. As families, schools and Democrats were torn apart, many questioned the commitment of American troops to Vietnam. Americans no longer considered democracy to be participatory. The project also caused an uproar in American politics. The young men.