For Southeast Asia, the Vietnam War altered forever the history,
topography, people, economy, and politics of the Democratic Republic of
Vietnam (DRV), the Republic of Vietnam (RVN), Cambodia, and Laos. That
the war was controversial is an understatement as is the notion that the
war can be understood from any one perspective. One way of understanding
the Vietnam War is by marking its time with turning points, both major
and minor, that involved events or decisions that helped to influence
its course in the years to follow. By examining a few of these turning
points, an organizational framework takes shape that makes understanding
the war more possible. Historical Dictionary of the War in Vietnam
emphasizes the international nature of the war, as well as provide a
greater understanding of the long scope of the conflict. The major
events associated with the war will serve as the foundation of the book
while additional entries will explore the military, diplomatic,
political, social, and cultural events that made the war unique. While
military subjects will be fully explored, there will be greater
attention to other aspects of the war. All of this is done through a
chronology, an introductory essay, an extensive bibliography, and over
600 cross-referenced dictionary entries. This book is an excellent
access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more
about the Vietnam War.