Option #2: Déjà Vu (1858-1961) – Episode 1 of The Vietnam War <– Video for the essay
This assignment requires you to watch a film that chronicles the origins of the conflict in Vietnam and US involvement in the region.
In your first paragraph, write a concise summary of the entire film, identifying key persons and most important events covered. Your reader should not be left wondering if you viewed the film or not.
In your second paragraph, you must discuss the history of Vietnam in the era of World War I and II. Be certain to identify the key developments described in the film.
In your third paragraph, explain the events leading up to the Geneva Accords, the meetings themselves, and what happened in the aftermath of this agreement. Be certain to describe the conflict that expanded in the second half of the 1950s, and underscore what was most important in this period of Vietnam’s history.
In the fourth paragraph, you will reflect upon the film as a whole. Please identify two events and/or decisions that, had they been handled differently, might have improved the course of history in Vietnam. Be certain to suggest what might have been done differently.
Address the following questions in your fifth and final paragraph:
o How would you evaluate the filmmaker’s presentation of the issues? Did the treatment seem objective? Did you detect any bias? explain your evaluation.
