BEFORE YOU WATCH: Decolonization and the Cold War - Through an Asian Lens

Before you watch

While you watch

1. This video argues that the Korean and Vietnam wars had their roots in the era of colonialism. What events in particular does this article trace these conflicts back to?
2. In both Korea and Vietnam, there were well-known leaders of the communist and anti-communist sides. What were the names of these four leaders? Despite their differences, what did they have in common?
3. In what ways was the civil war in Vietnam a decolonization struggle and also a Cold War conflict?
4. How was Korea’s decolonization and its encounter with the Cold War conflict different from Vietnam’s? How was it similar?
5. How does Steve Lee explain the outbreak of war in Korea?
6. How did the Vietnam War end?

After you watch

1. Using evidence from this video, compare the processes by which various peoples pursued independence after 1900.
2. Would you call the Korean War a “Cold War” episode or a war of decolonization? What about the Vietnam War? Defend your answers.
3. This video describes two conflicts. Both were linked to the Cold War. Both had roots in anti-colonial struggles. And both were wars of national unification. But only Vietnam was able to unite its nation. Korea remains divided between North and South. Since the war ended, the United States has had normal relations with Vietnam, even working closely as a trade partner. But the United States remains officially at war with North Korea. Why do you think the United States has normal relations with one but not the other?