Ep 2. Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)

The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick season 1 episode 2, titled "Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)," dives deeper into the political landscape of Vietnam during the early years of US involvement.

With the looming threat of communism driving US foreign policy at the time, President Kennedy sends advisors to Vietnam to assist the South Vietnamese government in the fight against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. However, the advisors find themselves caught in the middle of a complex and bloody conflict, as they struggle to understand the cultural differences and political intricacies of the region.

Meanwhile, the South Vietnamese government is struggling to maintain control and legitimacy in the eyes of its citizens. Corruption and nepotism run rampant, causing widespread unrest and opposition to the government.

As tensions rise and violence escalates, the US finds itself increasingly invested in the conflict, but lacking a clear strategy or end goal. Amidst this uncertainty, the US government continues to pour resources into Vietnam, with little success in stemming the tide of the communist agenda.

Through interviews with key figures and archival footage, "Riding the Tiger" offers a nuanced and complex portrait of the early years of US involvement in Vietnam, highlighting the difficult decisions and complex political realities that shaped the conflict.