This succinct and accessible book provides comprehensive coverage of the causes and consequences of the Vietnam War and deals with the escalating involvement of the United States in Southeast Asia. The Tragedy of Vietnamprovides extensive background on the conflict, the relevant history of Southeast Asia, and the consequences of the Vietnam conflict on the region. An excellent supplement to any survey or 20 th Century U.S. History course, this book describes the social, economic, ideological, diplomatic and military aspects of the Vietnam War.