WHY did the US lose in vietnam? some historical viewpoints

The Vietnam War was a long, costly, and divisive conflict that ended when the United States left in 1975. Despite America deploying over 500,000 troops and spending billions of dollars, they eventually withdrew in defeat. The Vietnam War was a contentious conflict that has been analyzed and debated by historians for decades. Many of these historians have identified specific factors that contributed to the U.S.'s defeat in Vietnam.

1. Guerilla Warfare: Many historians argue that the Viet Cong's use of guerrilla tactics was a significant factor in the U.S.'s defeat. According to historian Marilyn B. Young, the Viet Cong "made war on the American presence in Vietnam and won." The Viet Cong used a combination of hit-and-run attacks, booby traps, and underground tunnels to evade American troops, making it challenging to engage them in traditional combat. The Viet Cong's tactics were particularly effective in the densely forested and swampy terrain of Vietnam, which gave them a strategic advantage.
   
2. Lack of Public Support: Historians agree that the lack of public support for the Vietnam War was a significant factor in the U.S.'s defeat. According to historian George C. Herring, the war was "the most unpopular war in American history." The American public was increasingly disillusioned with the war's purpose and the high number of casualties. Protests and demonstrations against the war were widespread, and many Americans saw the war as a pointless and costly exercise.
   
3. Ineffective Strategies: Historians argue that the U.S.'s reliance on conventional tactics was ineffective against the Viet Cong's guerrilla tactics. According to historian Mark Atwood Lawrence, the U.S. military "focused too much on killing enemy soldiers and not enough on winning the support of the Vietnamese people." The U.S. military's use of heavy firepower caused significant damage to the country's infrastructure and civilian casualties, which only served to alienate the Vietnamese people further.
   
4. Political Divisions: Many historians argue that political divisions within the U.S. government contributed to the U.S.'s defeat. According to historian David L. Anderson, "the war was fought with a lack of consensus over its goals and a lack of unity over its prosecution." The U.S. government was divided over the war's purpose and the best way to achieve victory, which led to confusion and indecisiveness in policymaking.
   
5. Costly: Finally, historians point out that the Vietnam War was a significant drain on the U.S. economy. According to historian Robert J. McMahon, the war "cost the United States approximately $168 billion, with no discernible benefit to the American people." This money could have been spent on other domestic priorities, which would have strengthened the country's position in the long run.
   

In conclusion, historians agree that the U.S.'s defeat in Vietnam was a result of a combination of factors, including the Viet Cong's effective use of guerrilla tactics, the lack of public support, ineffective military strategies, political divisions, and the high cost of the war. These factors have influenced U.S. foreign policy and military strategy, which are now focused on avoiding prolonged conflicts and ensuring public support for military interventions.

Guest Versus History contributor, Shehab Abdullah