PU The Vietnam War - Class 1: Revolution - French Colonialism and the Indochina War (1946-1954)

April 03, 2025
7:00pm - 8:30pm

In this introductory prologue, we will examine the history and geography of Vietnam Prior to French colonization; the process of French colonization through World War II, including the rise of Ho Chi Minh; the First Indochina War 1946-54, including increasing US involvement, Cold War complications, etc.; and the Geneva Conference and Partition.

Instructor: Dr. Gary Kappel is a Professor of History, Emeritus, at Bethany College. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Bethany College and a Masters and PhD in European History from WVU. During his time at Bethany he taught a wide range of courses in European history, military history, and social and intellectual history. In 2003 he accompanied a group of students to Vietnam. He recently completed work on a documentary film about the New Martinsville Regatta for inboard hydroplanes.

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ABOUT THE OCPL'S PEOPLE'S UNIVERSITY SERIES:

In 1951, the Ohio County Public Library's librarian, Virginia Ebeling, referenced British historian Thomas Carlyle, who said, “the public library is a People’s University,” when she initiated a new adult education program with that name. Miss Ebeling charged the library with the responsibility of reaching “as many people in the community as possible.” In keeping with that tradition of public libraries as sanctuaries of free learning for all people, the Ohio County Public Library revived the series in 2010.

The People’s University features courses (taught by experts in each subject) that enable patrons to pursue their goal of lifelong learning in classic subjects such as history, music appreciation, philosophy, and literature. Patrons may attend as many classes as they wish. There are no tests of other requirements and all programs are free and open to the public. For more information about PU: The Cold War, EMAIL US,  visit ohiocountylibrary.org or call the library at 304-232-0244.