Unit 7: Vietnam War (1962 – 1975)

Vietnam War (1962 – 1975)

In 1962 Australia sent forces to Vietnam to support the American-backed South Vietnamese government against North Vietnam. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were exempt from the national service ballot, and many were turned away from seeking to enlist. However, it is estimated that 500 Indigenous men fought in the Vietnam War. Returning home was often hard, with memories of war repeating in their heads and daily reminders of the discrimination that still permeated Australian society. This final unit draws to a close the theme of choice, exploring why someone might choose to fight for a government that took away their Country and for a society that excludes them.

Download Teaching and Learning Overview (PDF, 1MB)

Learning intention

We are learning about the Indigenous soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War.

Success criteria

• I understand the varied and complex reasons why Indigenous soldiers fought in the Vietnam War.
  
• I can describe the experiences faced by Indigenous soldiers during the Vietnam War.
  
• I understand why listening to Indigenous voices is important.
  

Unit 7: Vietnam War 1962 – 1975

Part 1 - Stimulus video and listening notes

Part 2 - Class/group discussion

Part 3 - Definition of key concepts

Part 4 - Bill Coolburra case study

Part 5 - George Anderson case study

Part 6 - Independent study

Teaching and learning resources

This unit has a variety of teaching resources that provide background content knowledge and multi-media learning materials.

• Audio-visual stimulus
• Teaching worksheets
• Study notes
• George Anderson case study
  
• George Anderson tells his story
  
• George Anderson story transcript
  

• Bill Coolburra case study