When is it Appropriate to Engage in War?

As we've discussed throughout the semester, the US has experienced times of peace and times of war. We have explored examples of both. Wars begin for many reasons and each side has a goal for fighting. Sometimes, the countries or groups involved in war seek help from other countries or groups, forming alliances. South Vietnam asked the US to help them fight communist North Vietnam, and the US agreed. The result was large numbers of military troops sent to the warfronts in 1965. Was it right for our nation to help fight, or should we have stayed out of the conflict? By the end of the next several lessons, you will be able to answer this question.