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According to document A, what dilemma faces President Johnson in early 1965? According to document A, the Great Society or the Vietnam War presents the dilemma Johnson faces - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2008
Question 1
According to document A, what dilemma faces President Johnson in early 1965? According to document A, the Great Society or the Vietnam War presents the dilemma John... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:According to document A, what dilemma faces President Johnson in early 1965? According to document A, the Great Society or the Vietnam War presents the dilemma Johnson faces - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2008
Step 1
According to document A, what dilemma faces President Johnson in early 1965?
Answer
In document A, President Johnson faces the dilemma of balancing his ambitious domestic agenda, known as the Great Society, with the demands of the Vietnam War. He feels pressured to support U.S. involvement abroad to avoid appearing as a coward while recognizing that this could potentially hinder his domestic reforms.
Step 2
In document A, what are the reasons given by President Johnson for maintaining US involvement in the war in Vietnam?
Answer
Johnson argues that U.S. involvement in Vietnam is crucial to prevent the perception of weakness, which could lead to increased Communist aggression. He believes in a moral obligation to assist oppressed nations and views U.S. credibility globally as a vital factor.
Step 3
What does the child in document B represent? Give a reason for your answer.
Answer
The child in document B represents 'Health, Education, and Welfare.' This symbolizes the societal sacrifices made due to Vietnam expenditures, highlighting how war spending diverts essential funds from domestic welfare programs.
Step 4
Which document, A or B, do you consider more effective in making its point? Explain your answer, referring to both documents.
Answer
I consider document A more effective as it provides Johnson’s direct insights into his struggles regarding Vietnam. It conveys emotional depth and complexity in decision-making compared to document B's satirical take, which may lack the same emotional resonance.
Step 5
According to document A, Johnson expected to be 'crucified' by savage criticism. Do you consider document B an example of savage criticism? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer
Yes, document B serves as an example of savage criticism. It critiques Johnson’s policies through a caricature, illustrating the public’s view of him as overwhelmed and ineffective, which reflects the broader societal discontent towards his decisions.
Step 6
Would you agree that, in document A, President Johnson is guilty of exaggeration? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer
I would argue that Johnson exaggerates the consequences of withdrawing from Vietnam. While risks existed, his portrayal may overlook feasible diplomatic solutions and the complexities of the conflict, implying a more dire scenario than may have been warranted.
Step 7
What are the strengths and weaknesses of document B as a historical source?
Answer
Document B’s strength lies in its ability to encapsulate public sentiment through satire, effectively critiquing Johnson’s policies. However, its weakness is its simplification of complex issues, potentially obscuring the nuances crucial for understanding the Vietnam War.
Step 8
Why was President Johnson unable to win the war in Vietnam?
Answer
President Johnson was unable to win the Vietnam War due to miscalculations regarding the nature of the conflict, underestimating enemy resilience, and facing mounting anti-war sentiment domestically. His administration's focus on military solutions often overshadowed necessary political dialogues.