Able Quote by Jonathan Schell
“It is a key fact about American policy in Vietnam that the withdrawel of American troops was built into it from the start. None of the presidents who waged war in Vietnam contemplated an open-ended campaign; all promised the public that American troops would be able to leave in the not-too-remote future. The promise of withdrawel precluded a policy of occupation of the traditional colonial sort, in which a great power simply imposes its will on a small one indefinitely.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Fate of the United States in the 21st Century, 2005
U.S. involvement in Vietnam was always intended to be temporary, preventing a prolonged occupation.
In simple terms: U.S. troops were meant to leave, not stay forever.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of military commitments.
Themes
politics
military strategy
history
policy
Mood
analytical
critical
serious
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- foreign policy analysis
- military planning
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Vietnam War
withdrawal doctrine
public promises
imperialism
Questions to Reflect On
- Why was a short‑term strategy chosen?
- What were the consequences of that promise?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex geopolitical motives.
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