The Vietnam War 1955-1975

The Vietnam War was fought on Vietnamese soil. The curious thing about this war is the fact that it was never declared. The American soldiers were not fighting a war for America. They were "advising" the South Vietnamese government in their war against the communist North Vietnam.
Further reading:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_War

During the 1960's, which were all about free love, peace and understanding - helped along by a curiosity and willingness to experiment with drugs and the structure of society - a resistance against America's role in the conflict between North and South Vietnam grew to such proportions that the president Lyndon B. Johnson decided not to run for at second term in the White House. During LBJ's precidency the American involvement increased and by 1968 the number of soldiers had risen to 550,000. On average 1000 American soldiers were killed a month.

Lyndon B. Johnson:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_B._Johnson

Bob Dylan (1941 - )

He became known as a folksinger who protested against the Vietnam War. Some of his songs became synonymous with the anti war movement which was concentrated around colleges and campuses during the 60's and 70's
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dylan

John Brown - lyrics:
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/John-Brown-lyrics-Bob-Dylan/03E8AAEDC1AD214B4825696A00051ED3
Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbLldlwYXRY

Masters of War - lyrics:
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Masters-Of-War-lyrics-Bob-Dylan/A17B1E57D80048D0482569690027973B
Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orlE6bVKzE0

With God on Our Side - lyrics
http://www.bobdylan.com/us/songs/god-our-side
Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAgAvnvXF9U

World War I 1914-1918

The First World War is also known as The Great War and the generation of men who fought in the great war is known as the Lost Generation, simply because so many died or were cripled physically/mentally/emotionally for life.
For more information on World War I:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I

A number of British poets participated in the war, and they wrote poetry about their experiences.
the over all impression of their poetry is a sense of disillusionment, bitterness and despair.

On this website you can find short biographies of some of the finest poets who fought in the First World War:
http://www.warpoetry.co.uk/biogs99.htm

Rupert Brooke(1887-1915)
The Soldier:
http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15695

Wilfred Owen(1893-1918) 
Dulce Et Decorum Est:
http://www.warpoetry.co.uk/owen1.html

Futility:
http://europeanhistory.about.com/library/weekly/blowenfutility.htm


Sigfried Sassoon 1886-1967
Suicide in the Trenches:
http://allpoetry.com/poem/8499073-Suicide_In_The_Trenches-by-Siegfried_Sassoon

The Hero:
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hero/