War Effect on Vietnam and United States

A war that lasted 20 years from 1955-75 did not leave a small amount of damage in both the North and South of Vietnam. 2 million lives most of the civilian were taken along with the 3 million wounded, and the hundreds of thousands of children who were left orphaned. During the war the United States dropped an estimated 8 million bombs on the country plus the Agent Orange attacks. Agent Orange effects is the reason that many Vietnamese children have to grow up with different diseases and disabilities. After the North took over the millions of South residents were captured and forced into camps where harsh treatment was put upon them. Millions attempted to escape the new law of the South and became refugees, but it was not easy, an estimated 200,000-400,000 died at sea. The harsh treatment and camps led to the hatred between the two countries.

The war while not taking place in the United States still left a heavy mark upon the country and its government. The United States lost 58,000 of their soldiers, 150,000 came back wounded, and 700,000 veterans suffered psychological problems. The estimated cost of assisting the country is about 900 billion. The choices of the government caused many citizens to lose faith and confidence in their abilities to govern the country. The Vietnam war also forced a change in how Americans would approach other military actions.