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Vietnam War Role-Play

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Vietnam War Role-Play

Read the background and character cards. Then use evidence to prepare a respectful role-play about Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. Characters are fictional composites, not real people. You may describe a viewpoint without agreeing with it. Do not imitate accents or make light of war.

A short history

Vietnam was divided into North Vietnam and South Vietnam after the First Indochina War. Conflict between the two sides grew, and the United States and its allies became involved in the wider Vietnam War. Australia first sent military advisers in 1962. Australian combat troops arrived in 1965, supporting South Vietnam and its allies. Australia introduced national service in 1964; some men were selected for service by a birthday ballot and could be sent to Vietnam. The war was controversial in Australia. People disagreed about conscription, the war's aims and whether Australia should be involved. Large anti-war demonstrations took place. Australian combat forces withdrew in 1972, and the last Australian military personnel left in 1973. In 1975, North Vietnamese forces took control of Saigon, and the war ended.

Role-play character cards

Choose or be assigned one viewpoint. These fictional characters represent possible perspectives; no single character speaks for everyone in that group. Mick, a young Australian national serviceman: He has been selected for service and is worried about leaving his family. He believes he should do his duty but has questions about the war. June, an anti-war demonstrator: She opposes conscription and believes Australia should withdraw. She wants decision-makers to listen to people affected by the war. Ruth, a soldier's family member: She is proud of her relative but anxious about their safety. She wants clear information and support for families. Charlie, a newspaper reporter: Charlie wants to report accurately. They know that people disagree and that a short news report may leave out important experiences.

1.Number these events from 1 (earliest) to 4 (latest): Australian advisers arrive; Australian combat troops arrive; Australian combat forces withdraw; the war ends.

2.Which statement best describes national service in Australia during the Vietnam War?

All Australian adults were required to serve overseas.
Some men were selected for service through a birthday ballot.
Only people who volunteered could be sent to Vietnam.
National service began after Australian combat forces withdrew.

3.Which character is most likely to argue that Australia should withdraw and end conscription? Give one reason from the character card.

4.Mick and June may disagree about Australia's involvement. Write one concern they might share, even though their views differ.

5.Choose one character card. Write two concerns your character might have, using details from the card.

6.Write one sentence your chosen character could say at a community meeting. It should show their viewpoint without insulting people who disagree.

7.As Charlie the reporter, write one open-ended question that could help a person explain their experience or viewpoint. Avoid questions that assume everyone feels the same way.

8.Use the background information about large anti-war demonstrations in Australia. Name one thing this information might help a historian learn, and one thing it cannot prove on its own.

9.After the role-play, explain one way listening to a different character's viewpoint can improve our understanding of history.