Online Class: Vietnam War
This course will examine the history of the Vietnam War and provide the historical background that set the stage for the conflict, the events that led directly to the war, the major issues involved at home and abroad, and an overview of the major battles.

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13Lessons
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40Exams &
Assignments -
512Students
have taken this course -
11Hours
average time -
1.1CEUs
Course Description
One of the most divisive military efforts in United States history since the Civil War was the Vietnam War. A subject of widely-differing opinions at the time, the controversy rages still today over whether or not America should have involved itself in this bloody and hard-fought conflict.
The primary aim of our involvement in Vietnam was to contain the spread of communism in Southeast Asia following the events of the Korean War and the Chinese Civil War of 1949. The United States officially backed the anti-communist Republic of South Vietnam (South Vietnam) against the forces of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), also called the "Vietcong".
The North Vietnamese received military and economic assistance from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and the People's Republic of China (Communist China), which greatly prolonged the conflict and created a significantly more difficult obstacle for the U.S. Armed Forces to surmount. What followed was one of the most brutal and unique wars ever fought by America.
This course will examine the history of the Vietnam War. It will provide the student with the historical background that set the stage for the conflict, the events that led directly to the war, the major issues involved at home and abroad, and an overview of the major battles. Further, this course will also cover the non-military aspects of the war, such as the changing political climate in the United States during the late 1960s, that had a profound impact on the outcome of the struggle.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1: A History of Vietnam
Vietnam has a very long history and it is a strategically-located country in Southeast Asia, which has led to a number of subjugations of its peoples over the centuries.
Additional lesson topics: A look at Ho Chi Minh
84 Total Points
Lesson 1 Video A
Lesson 1 Video B : Introduction Discussion
Lesson discussions: Vietnam War Course; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: An Introduction
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
Complete Assignment: Why Study the Vietnam War?
Complete Assignment: The Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871
Assessment: Lesson 1 : A History of Vietnam
Lesson 2: War-Time Technology & Weapons of the Vietnam War
Like previous wars in the twentieth century, the Vietnam War saw the introduction of a number of new technological innovations in the area of weaponry and support material.
Additional lesson topics: Chemical Warfare; Weapons in Vietnam War
55 Total Points
Lesson 2 Video A
Lesson 2 Video B : Lesson 2 Discussion
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
Complete Assignment: Was the Vietnam War Worth It?
Assessment: Lesson 2 : War-Time Technology & Weapons of the Vietnam War
Lesson 3: The Road To War
Following the conclusion of the Second World War and the Korean War, a number of events would set in motion America's inevitable involvement in yet another military conflict in Indochina.
Additional lesson topics: Eisenhower and Vietnam; Truman and Vietnam
84 Total Points
Lesson 3 Video A
Lesson 3 Video B : Lesson 3 Discussion
Lesson discussions: The Vietnam War
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
Complete Assignment: Truman Ignores Ho Chi Mihn
Assessment: Lesson 3: The Road To War
Lesson 4: The Beginning of the War
Following the partition of Vietnam into north and south halves, a number of events were set into motion that would bring about another full-scale military conflict in Indochina.
Additional lesson topics: Diem and Vietnam
60 Total Points
Lesson 4 Video A
Lesson 4 Video B : Lesson 4 Discussion
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
Complete Assignment: President Kennedy and the Vietnam War
Assessment: Lesson 4: The Beginning of the War
Lesson 5: President Johnson and the Vietnam War
The assassinations of President Kennedy and of Ngo Dinh Diem had a tremendous impact on the events in Vietnam.
Additional lesson topics: McNamara and Vietnam
105 Total Points
Lesson 5 Video A
Lesson 5 Video B : Lesson 5 Discussion
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Complete Assignment: Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Complete Assignment: LBJ v. McNamara
Assessment: Lesson 5 : President Johnson and the Vietnam War
Lesson 6: Making Battle Plans
Once American marines were on the ground in Vietnam, it was clear to everyone that the United States' involvement in the situation would involve the use of our military might. The ground war began in earnest after March, 1965, as the U.S.
31 Total Points
Lesson 6 Video A
Lesson 6 Video B : Lesson 6 Discussion
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 6 : Making Battle Plans
Lesson 7: Wading into the War
With their war strategies of attrition and erosion firmly in place, U.S. military commanders commenced the ground war.
Additional lesson topics: Operation Starlie; CORDS Vietnam
90 Total Points
Lesson 7 Video A
Lesson 7 Video B : Lesson 7 Discussion
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
Complete Assignment: Winning The Hearts and Minds of the Vietnamese People
Complete Assignment: Operation Cords -- Helping your neighbor's enemy
Assessment: Lesson 7 : Wading into the War
Lesson 8: Major U.S. Offensives in South Vietnam, Part I
With two quick early successes to spur them on, the United States proceeded with all speed to execute their strategic goals of attrition and erosion of the North Vietnamese forces and the Vietcong.
Additional lesson topics: Operation Market Time; Montagnards in Vietnam
35 Total Points
Lesson 8 Video A
Lesson 8 Video B : Lesson 8 Discussion
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 8 : Major U.S. Offensives in South Vietnam, Part I
Lesson 9: Major U.S. Offensives in South Vietnam, Part II
As the war broadened and escalated in intensity, the United States remained committed to their original two-pronged military strategy.
Additional lesson topics: Westmoreland in Vietnam; Operation Junction City; Siege of Khe Sahn
34 Total Points
Lesson 9 Video A
Lesson 9 Video B : Lesson 9 Discussion
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 9 : Major U.S. Offensives in South Vietnam, Part II
Lesson 10: The Tet Offensive
Between January and September of 1968, the North Vietnamese Army embarked on their most aggressive and ambitious plan to hit U.S. and ARVN command and control centers in South Vietnam.
Additional lesson topics: Tet Offensive
84 Total Points
Lesson 10 Video A
Lesson 10 Video B : Lesson 10 Discussion
Lesson discussions: The Tet Offensive
Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
Complete Assignment: T.V. and The Tet Offensive
Assessment: Lesson 10 : The Tet Offensive
Lesson 11: The End of the War - U.S. Forces Leave Vietnam
After nearly a decade of fighting, the American people began to grow weary of the conflict in Vietnam.
Additional lesson topics: America Leaves Vietnam; Walter Cronkite Broadcast
189 Total Points
Lesson 11 Video A
Lesson 11 Video B : Lesson 11 Discussion
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
Complete Assignment: Vietnam and President Johnson
Complete Assignment: Did the U.S. lose the War, or did it withdraw with honor?
Complete Assignment: Vietnam and Afghanistan Withdrawals
Complete Assignment: Did America Learn Anything from Vietnam?
Assessment: Lesson 11 : The End of the War - U.S. Forces Leave Vietnam
Lesson 12: The Aftermath of the Vietnam War
Immediately following the withdrawal of the last troops and U.S. advisory personnel from Vietnam, the capitol of Saigon fell. With the defeat of South Vietnam, all of the country was united under the communist rule of Ho Chi Minh.
Additional lesson topics: Americans come home from Vietnam Part I; Part II Americans Come Home; What was it like coming home from the War
86 Total Points
Lesson 12 Video A
Lesson 12 Video B : Lesson 12 Discussion
Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 12 : The Aftermath of the Vietnam War
Assessment: The Final Exam
Appendix and Works Cited
Appendix and Works Cited
0 Total Points
Lesson 13 Video
Lesson discussions: How would you rate this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
937
Total Course Points
Learning Outcomes
By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Summarize the history of Vietnam.
- Describe war-time technology and weapons of the Vietnam War.
- Describe the road to war.
- Describe the beginning of the war.
- Summarize President Johnson and the Vietnam War.
- Describe the battle plans of the war.
- Summarize the Tet Offensive.
- Summarize the aftermath of the vietnam war.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Course Title:
Vietnam War
Course Number:
7550443
Lessons Rating:
4.7 / 5 Stars
(737 votes)
Languages:
English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Category:
Availability:
This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
Last Updated:
November 2022
Course Type:
Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value:
1.1 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation:
Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy:
Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method:
Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor:
Christopher McKenna
Syllabus:
View Syllabus
Course Fee:
$95.00 U.S. dollars
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Student Testimonials
- "Excellent course!!! Very knowledgeable instructor who always offered feedback. The lesson videos that he presents helps so much." -- Cheryl S.
- "Great course, I learned a lot and the instructor is very knowledgeable." -- Kathy L.
- "The instructor was so professional and knowledgeable it made the whole experience incredible." -- Terrie C.
- "I had learned a lot about the Vietnam War that I did not know." -- Patricia T.
- "Excellent course. Excellent instructor." -- George M.
- "I felt the entire course was very helpful and well put together. The Instructor for this course was extremely good job and knows the subject well." -- Micah S.
- "I talked (emailed) with the insturctor several times. Being a Vietnam Vet, this course was very personal to me. My insturctor was very compassonite at times and very well versed in the subject." -- Paul S.
- "Love your courses!!!" -- Kyle B.
- "I wanted to learn about the war, that's what it taught me.AWESOME INSTRUCTOR!!!!!! He should be given a prize ;)" -- Riley Z.
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