America in Vietnam: Guenter Lewy's Controversial Revisionist History
Published in 1978 by Oxford University Press, America in Vietnam is a highly influential and enduringly controversial non-fiction work by Guenter Lewy. The book challenges the prevailing narratives of the Vietnam War, arguing that the United States' involvement was neither illegal nor immoral. Lewy posits that reports of American atrocities were significantly exaggerated by what he describes as a "veritable industry" of war crimes allegations.
The text serves as a cornerstone for the revisionist school of Vietnam historiography—a perspective that disputes the "orthodox" view that the war was unnecessary, unjust, or unwinnable. While harshly criticized by traditional historians, it has found strong support among academics and political figures who believe the American effort in Vietnam has been unfairly maligned.
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Key Facts
- Author: Guenter Lewy
- Publication Date: 1978
- Core Thesis: US actions in Vietnam were legal and moral; civilian casualties were lower than in WWII and Korea.
- Historiographical Label: Revisionist history.
- Major Critics: Noam Chomsky, Theodore Draper, and orthodox historians.
- Major Supporters: Norman Podhoretz, Mark Moyar, and Michael Lind.
The Revisionist Argument
Lewy's primary objective was to "clear away the cobwebs of mythology" surrounding the conflict. He argues that the sense of guilt felt by many Americans regarding the war is unwarranted. According to Lewy, a detailed examination of battlefield practices shows that the US made strong efforts to minimize the ravages of war.
Legality and Morality
A central pillar of Lewy's argument is the link between legality and morality. He asserts that because American military tactics were legal, they cannot be classified as immoral. He distinguishes the use of free-fire zones (areas where any person found is considered a hostile target) from the intentional terror bombing of civilian populations seen in World War II, arguing that the former lacked immoral intent.
The Question of Genocide
Lewy explicitly rejects the claim that the US committed genocide in Vietnam. He cites United Nations statistics showing that the population of North and South Vietnam increased at roughly double the rate of the US population during the same period, arguing that the intentional destruction of a people did not occur.
Academic and Political Controversies
The book has sparked intense debate among intellectuals and has even entered the realm of high-stakes US politics.
The Clash with Noam Chomsky
Linguist and critic Noam Chomsky challenged Lewy's work, suggesting it was a "moral tract" rather than a purely military history. Chomsky argued that Lewy treated US maltreatment and torture with "antiseptic brevity" while detailing Communist inhumaneness with moral indignation.
Political Impact in 2004
Decades after its release, America in Vietnam resurfaced during the 2004 US presidential election. Groups supporting George W. Bush and the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth cited Lewy's work to challenge the record of Democratic candidate John Kerry, specifically regarding Kerry's participation in anti-war activities and his testimony about war crimes.
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The Winter Soldier Investigation
Lewy was particularly critical of the Winter Soldier Investigation, an event organized by Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) to expose atrocities. Lewy claimed the investigation was politically motivated and relied on "fake witnesses." He cited a Naval Investigative Service report alleging that some veterans claimed to have attended the hearing despite never having been to Detroit.
However, this specific claim remains disputed; government officials have stated they have no record of such a report, and Lewy later admitted he could not recall if he had read the report himself or was merely told of its contents.
Summary of Perspectives
| Perspective | View of the War | View of US Conduct | Key Proponents/Critics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orthodox School | Unnecessary, unjust, and unwinnable. | Marked by immoral conduct and atrocities. | Theodore Draper, Noam Chomsky |
| Revisionist School | A winnable struggle against totalitarianism. | Generally legal and moral; atrocities exaggerated. | Guenter Lewy, Norman Podhoretz, Mark Moyar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main argument of America in Vietnam?
Guenter Lewy argues that the US role in the Vietnam War was legal and moral, and that the widespread allegations of American war crimes were greatly exaggerated.
Why is the book called "revisionist"?
It is termed revisionist because it seeks to revise the "orthodox" historical narrative that the Vietnam War was an immoral and unnecessary conflict.
How does Lewy address the charge of genocide?
Lewy argues that the charge of genocide is "grotesque" because UN statistics show the Vietnamese population actually grew significantly during the war, indicating no intent to destroy the people.
What was the book's role in the 2004 US Election?
The book was used by supporters of George W. Bush to challenge John Kerry's credibility, specifically regarding his anti-war testimonies and the validity of the Winter Soldier Investigation.
How did Noam Chomsky respond to Lewy's claims?
Chomsky argued that Lewy was biased, claiming he minimized US torture and atrocities while emphasizing the crimes of the Communist forces with far more detail and indignation.