Courtesy of AP/Jacques TonnaireALSO SEE: Ken Burns on the Vietnam War: ‘So Much of What Happened Then Is Happening Now.’
The Vietnam War, a 10-part documentary event series from directors Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, chronicles the human tragedy of the Vietnam War, one of the most politically and socially divisive events in American history. The film airs Sept. 17-21 and Sept. 24-28 on PBS.
PBS The Vietnam War Schedule And Episode Guide
All Episodes Air at 8pm ET (check local listings)
Episode 1: “Déjà Vu” (1858-1961) (Sept. 17) The premiere episode, “Déjà Vu,” traces the history of foreign occupation in Vietnam and the origins of conflict. It also reveals how the violent end to French colonialism in Vietnam in the 1950s set the stage for American intervention in the 1960s.
Episode 2: “Riding the Tiger” (1961-1963) (Sept. 18) President Kennedy and his advisers wrestle with how deeply to get involved in South Vietnam. As the increasingly autocratic Diem regime faces a growing communist insurgency and widespread Buddhist protests, a grave political crisis unfolds.
Episode 3: “The River Styx” (January 1964-December 1965) (Sept. 19) With South Vietnam in chaos, Hanoi accelerates the insurgency, sending combat troops to the South. Fearing Saigon’s collapse, President Johnson escalates, authorizing sustained bombing of the North and deploying ground troops in the South.
Episode 4: “Resolve” (January 1966-June 1967) (Sept. 20) Defying American airpower, North Vietnamese troops stream down the Ho Chi Minh Trail, while Saigon struggles to pacify the countryside. As an antiwar movement builds at home, GIs discover that this war is nothing like their fathers’ war.
Episode 5: “This Is What We Do” (July 1967-December 1967) (Sept. 21) Enemy body counts and American casualties mount as GIs chase an elusive foe and face deadly ambushes and artillery. While Hanoi lays plans for a massive surprise offensive, the Johnson administration reassures the public that victory is in sight.
Episode 6: “Things Fall Apart” (January 1968-July 1968) (Sept. 24) Seeing the violence and brutality of the Tet Offensive unfold on television, Americans begin to doubt President Johnson’s promise of “light at the end of the tunnel.” LBJ decides not to run again. The country is staggered by assassinations and unrest.
Episode 7: “The Veneer of Civilization” (June 1968-May 1969) (Sept. 25) With the country at odds over the war, draft-age Americans face wrenching choices. After chaos roils the Democratic Convention, Richard Nixon narrowly wins the presidency. In Vietnam, soldiers on all sides witness terrible savagery and unflinching courage.
Episode 8: “The History of the World” (April 1969-May 1970) (Sept. 26) When troop withdrawals begin, soldiers left in Vietnam ask what they are fighting for. News breaks of a shocking massacre at My Lai, and questions grow about the war’s rectitude. The Cambodia invasion sparks large protests, with tragic consequences.
Episode 9: “A Disrespectful Loyalty” (May 1970-March 1973) (Sept. 27) South Vietnamese forces fighting on their own suffer a terrible defeat in Laos. After being re-elected in a landslide, President Nixon strikes a peace deal with Hanoi that allows American prisoners of war finally to come home — where they find a bitterly divided country.
Episode 10: “The Weight of Memory” (March 1973-Onward) (Sept. 28) President Nixon resigns amid Watergate, while a brutal civil war continues in Vietnam. North Vietnamese troops overtake Saigon with overwhelming force. For the next 40 years, Americans and Vietnamese from all sides search for healing and reconciliation.
We didn’t lose the war, our politicians did. They tied one hand behind our backs. Making all stupid choices. So don’t blame my brothers and sisters that served there. However, you protesters and cowards that didn’t go, we didn’t deserve your treatment when we came back
A great Series! Fair and evenhanded, I served two tours in Vietnam, USMC, MOS a bunch of 03 stuff, was with the 26th Marines at Khe Sahn. I’m with you John, 4 tours? Yes, what unit and what MOS? The powers that be admitted as far back as 1966 there was no way to “win” a military victory, but they kept sending us anyway. Hindsight is 100% accurate.
Eric, you need to temper your invective. James was a member of the military, serving his country. We’re an all-volunteer military these days, but not so then. You might have burned your draft card, had you been one of those who received one, based on your remarks. Nobody who fought in those jungles “deserved to lose.” How old are you? You sound like a child who didn’t live through those divided and divisive times. Watch the series–you will learn much you haven’t known.
Serving on the draft board for two years during the conflict was not the best decision I ever made. The day Robert Kennedy was killed was enough for me. I resigned . As expected the series is excellent .
So completely sad. Haunted by memories of two HS friends who died for nothing; genuinely and naively putting their trust in leaders and advisors who were indifferent to anything but their own bloated egos. Are we any smarter today?
amen!
Looks like the same warmed over anti-war drivel that led to U.S. defeat and the accelerated rise of socialism in America. After my four tours in Vietnam, I still can’t believe the media still blames the warriors instead of the milquetoast politicians who thought they were military strategists.
Hi James, I’ve seen the entire series and it gives the warriors all the honor and respect they deserve.
He probably still believes we spit on returning Vets a la Rambo when in reality we all wore ball caps to hide their hair, got them laid, stoned, to concerts & went shooting to ease their gun apprehension
When my dad came back in 1970, he stopped in Colorado and partied with friends for a few days before coming home to Wisconsin. My dad’s family was PISSED when they found out.
James, you lost because you fought on the wrong side of history. You deserved to lose. The Vietnamese were fighting to liberate their country – first from French, then from US colonialism – while you were fighting for the egos and political fortunes of waves of dishonest politicians who did not give a rat’s ass for the people they were allegedly defending. Looks like you learned nothing.
Four tours? Hmm. What outfits and what MOS?
I’m watching even though I’ve been there and done that. Always watch anything by Ken Burns.