Exploration Four by Katie Conley

     Part One:  A theme I noticed throughout the last five chapters was how the past effects your future.  The book in itself is a reflection of Tim O'Brien's experiences and how the same experiences affected other soldiers in the same situation.  Tim told us how he and young Linda and how he loved her and then further on down the road she was what he was thinking of during the first task he had to do in Vietnam.  In my own experiences, I see this theme as well.  In my present day life, I am able to see how childhood events change my way of thinking in the conflicts I have now.  As Tim puts it on the last page, " I later realize it is as Tim trying to save Timmy's life with a story." (O'Brien, 233).

     Part Two:  My research question was, "how did the Vietnam war affect America?"  The lives of the soldiers were permanently changed, but how did it change the home front?  The Vietnam War for America was a humiliating defeat, seeing as we had just came out of WWII more confident than ever.  The economy was hurt by the war as well.  The war for America cost $168 billion!  Many people found this crazy and ridiculous, seeing as we lost the war anyway.  The taxes were crazy high as well as the prices for basic products.  The war also helped push for a lower voting age.  The thought was that if you could be 18 and go to war, you should be able to vote.  The draft was also ended as the war ended.  This led to an all volunteer force, meaning that all members of the military are volunteer only.  This allows for a more willing and stronger military force.  Another prominent issue was the mistrust in the government.  After the Kent State tragedy and the Watergate scandal, American people were left suspicious, cynical, and skeptical.  My best information was found on a website that was specifically dedicated to information on the Vietnam War.

https://thevietnamwar.info/how-vietnam-war-affect-america/

Protests of the Vietnam War in America