There are many reasons for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Each of these reasons played a major part on the final decision, which eventually had led to Australia’s involvement. Some of these reasons include: the domino theory, the forward defence strategy, as well as political obligations (SEATO), the containment of communism, and finally to show loyalty to the United States of America.
The first of many reasons for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War was the domino theory. Domino theory was a theory believed by many countries, the theory stated if one country fell under communist domination, its neighbours would fall like a line of dominoes. Now this theory was used by President Eisenhower of the U.S (at the time) if one country fell in South-East Asia the rest would fall. The big question for Australia was where the dominoes would stop falling, and this was a big threat to Australia as we were surrounded by many Asian countries. Therefore, Australia was ready to fight, if it would bring an end to communism or the domino theory.
The forward defence strategy was another key reason for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Forward defence was a very cunning and smart tactic used by the Australian government. The tactic was that it would be ideal if we fought in another country rather than our own. This was because we would avoid as many casualties and costs of having a war in our own country, yet we would still be fighting for something we believed in.
The Essay on Australia Country Risks
The overall performance of Australia in world economic outlook is generally one of the most stable. Because of the well planned course of running the economy, the Australian government has been maintaining a good level of growth among the Asia Pacific countries. However, it is also important to see some of the risks involved if one wishes to invest in the Australian market. The first aspect in ...
Another reason for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War was political obligations that Australia was tied to. These obligations included the SEATO. The South-East Asia Treaty Organisation was formed in order to prevent other countries in South-East Asia falling under communism. SEATO agreed on economic, social and cultural co-operation between the member countries. They had also decided to aid countries in South-East Asia who came under armed attack. Countries that had signed upon SEATO included Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, USA and several more. Since Vietnam was under attack, due to this treaty it was Australia’s responsibility to take part in this war. Thus, political obligations are another reason for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
The containment of communism was another key factor for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Australia’s fears of communism were not just confined to events occurring overseas. The Communist Party of Australia had been given greater support from people within the country. Robert Menzies election promise was to get rid of this communist threat within Australia. Evdokia Petrov, the wife of accused Soviet spy Vladmir Petrov. Evdokia was being dragged to the airport by Soviet officials, after her husband admitted to being a spy. The Petrov affair made big headlines in Australia at the time, and convinced everyone that communism was much alive and heading to Australia. Hence, the containment of communism was another key factor for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
The final of many reasons for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War was to show a sign of loyalty to the United States of America. During this period of time, America had come out of WW2 as a superpower and Australia was in need of a new ‘best friend’. During WW2 America had generously helped and supported Australia. Therefore, to show a sign of loyalty to the United States was a reason for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
The Essay on Australian Conscription in Vietnam War
... in all sections of the community. There were many reasons for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, including the allegiance commitments of South-East Asia ... joined in the Vietnam War, Australia supported them to join the war as well. The Australian government feared the idea of communism overtaking their nation, ...
It can be concluded that Australia had fought in the Vietnam War for many reasons. Our involvement may have primarily been because of the domino theory, or the forward defence strategy, or our political obligations (SEATO), or to contain communism, or as a sign of loyalty to the United States. In the end, these factors had all contributed to Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War
