LEARNING MATTERS

PHOTOS OF THE VIETNAM WAR:

A PICTURE REALLY IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

Unit 2 of VCE History focuses on the Cold War, the long lasting ideological rivalry between the USSR and USA that spanned over 40 years.  One of the key flashpoints of this conflict was the Vietnam War, an event that shaped the political and social landscape of Australia. Even today, the Vietnam War continues to be relevant.  On 18 August this year marked the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan; however, controversy arose when memorial plans were cancelled by the Vietnamese Government, much to the dismay of Australian soldiers who served in the war. Media coverage of this issue demonstrates the enduring impact of the Vietnam War.

To introduce this complex and significant historical event to students, they analysed photos of the war. With the influx of freelance journalists and photographers in Vietnam during the 1960s, incredible images recorded the brutal and confronting experiences of both soldiers and civilians in this conflict.  

Students had to examine a large collection of photos (which are now available online), and formulate questions based on the scenes, figures and actions taking place. These thought-provoking images instantly sparked discussion on the use of weapons, the destruction of the landscape, the goals of opposing sides, and of course, the impact of wars on civilians.  These questions will form the foundation for our unit on the Vietnam War.

History is about asking questions and making sense of the past.  Photos provide a unique insight into the events we study by providing an opportunity to develop a sense of empathy.   When we consider the personal and emotional experiences of others we certainly learn a lot about ourselves and the world around us - this is a key aspect of historical inquiry.

Mr Richard Long

Curriculum Coordinator