Turning Points: The Role of the State Department in Vietnam (1945-75)

Thomas J. Corcoran wrote a book about the history of U.S. State Department policy during America's involvement with South Vietnam, revealing myths and falsehoods in orthodox histories.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2023
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

Ten years after the conclusion of American involvement in the Vietnam War, a seasoned Foreign Service officer named Thomas J. Corcoran took the time to document his reflections on the history of U.S. State Department policy during America's engagement with South Vietnam. Like many members of his generation, he was puzzled by the United States' inability to accomplish its objectives in South Vietnam. With a wealth of diplomatic experience spanning over three decades, beginning in 1948 when he was assigned to Hanoi and including other postings in Southeast Asia, Corcoran brought a deep and personal understanding of events in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam to his analysis.

The outcome is a meticulously researched, objective, and thoughtful study that chronicles the critical policy decisions made by the U.S. State Department throughout the entire period from 1945 to 1975. These decisions ultimately resulted in the United States' first war loss. In his comprehensive examination, Corcoran excels in debunking many of the myths and misconceptions prevalent in conventional histories of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

The book begins by providing a historical background of the region, including the French colonization, the rise of nationalism, and the emergence of communist movements. Corcoran then delves into the United States' initial involvement in the region, including the establishment of the French Indochina Federation and the deployment of military advisors to South Vietnam.

As the war escalated, the United States became increasingly involved in the conflict, sending troops and escalating its military presence. Corcoran examines the key policy decisions made by the State Department, including the decision to escalate the war, the decision to withdraw troops, and the decision to negotiate a peace settlement.

Throughout the book, Corcoran challenges the conventional narratives of the war, highlighting the mistakes made by the United States and the contributions of other actors, such as the Vietnamese resistance and the Soviet Union. He also provides a nuanced understanding of the cultural and political complexities of the region, which played a significant role in shaping the course of the war.

One of the most significant aspects of Corcoran's study is his analysis of the role of the media in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions. He argues that the media played a critical role in creating a false perception of the war, which led to public support for the conflict and ultimately contributed to its escalation.

Corcoran's study is a valuable contribution to the literature on the Vietnam War, providing a fresh perspective on a complex and controversial period of American history. His meticulous research and objective analysis challenge the myths and misconceptions that have persisted for decades and offer a more nuanced understanding of the events that shaped the war.

In conclusion, Thomas J. Corcoran's book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history of the Vietnam War. His thoughtful, objective, and well-researched study provides a valuable contribution to the literature on the war, challenging the myths and misconceptions that have persisted for decades and offering a more nuanced understanding of the events that shaped the conflict.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636243672