Vietnamská válka, veřejné mínění a americká kultura

Mgr. Zuzana Hodboďová

Master's thesis

The Vietnam War, Public Opinion, and American Culture

Abstract:

This diploma thesis attempted to trace some significant events that had an influence on the development of society in the United States of America in the 20th century. In consideration of American involvement in both World Wars, the strongest stress of this work is laid on the background of origination and the development of the Vietnam War itself. In more detailed way the thesis is engaged in the impact of this military conflict on the development and changes of public moods and opinions relating both to the involvement of U.S. military forces in Vietnam and to the attitude of the U.S. government towards the general public during the war. The final papers deals with the reflection of this long-standing war conflict in some spheres of cultural life of American society, especially in television and film production. Predominantly in these two cultural branches there is a perceptible development from propagandistic coverage based on glorification of bravery of young American uniformed soldiers in their fight against communism till the works that critically point out the senselessness of the war in Vietnam. The diploma thesis is divided into three chapters. The first chapter is engaged in the reasons and the course of the Vietnam War. The second chapter analyses both the conflict and its impact on the American society and community demonstrations as its reaction to the war. As for the third chapter, the thesis concentrates on the themes of the Vietnam War and its reflection in cultural world of literature, music, television, and film production.

Keywords

the Vietnam War, U.S. involvement, South Vietnam, pro-war propaganda, anti-war movement, college protests, American culture, literature, television, documentary film, film production

Language used: Czech

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 23. 4. 2008

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 9. 6. 2008
• Supervisor: Mgr. Zdeněk Janík, M.A.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Education

Master programme / field:
Teacher Training for Primary Schools / Lower Secondary School Teacher Training in English Language and Literature