Instructions for answering a discussion question ("posting"):

Compose a thoughtful answer to one of the questions.(I recommend you do this in a word processing program and then cut and paste your answer into the discussion forum).

Begin with a clear thesis statement (argument) that directly answers the question.

Next, develop TWO concrete examples drawn from TWO different assigned course materials.

Please cite each of your sources using a simple parenthetical citation form, including author's last name, abbreviated title, and page. E.g.: (Foner, GML, 486).You can't use the outside example!!

Answers must be at least 200 words in length. Please use full sentences.

IMPORTANT!!

You only choose two different examplesfrom those:

You should cite like this "....................."(Foner,GML, #page number)

President Lyndon B. Johnson, "Statement," Press Conference, July 28, 1965.PDF

Questions:

1. According to historian, Stephen Ambrose, "the U.S. fought in Vietnam as a direct result of a world view from which no one in power dissented and as a logical culmination of the policy of containment..." Given this interpretation and the evidence available to you, could U.S. policy makers realistically have made a different decision about Vietnam in 1965? Should they have? Explain.

2. How did the incident at My Lai affect the way Americans perceived the war in Vietnam? Why? Explain.

3. In your opinion, did the Watergate scandal and its resolution represent a failure or success of the American democratic system of government? Why? Explain.