There's Something Happening Here: The Vietnam War - Part VI - Hot Hamburger Hill

“Let us understand: North Vietnam cannot defeat or humiliate the United States. Only Americans can do that.”—President Richard Nixon

As the 1960s drew to a close, 1969 became a pivotal year that marked the end of an era—a time when the dreams of peace, love, and unity that defined the decade began to unravel. 

It was a year steeped in blood, both in the jungles of Vietnam and in the streets of America. The turbulent events of 1969 did not just signal the end of a decade, but also shattered the hopeful ideals of an entire generation.

In this episode, the Hungry Historian will guide you through the chaotic and transformative year of 1969. From the escalating war in Vietnam to the rise of cultural and political upheaval in America, this was a year that saw conflict, rebellion, and a redefinition of societal values.

On the battlefields of Vietnam, the war raged on with no clear end in sight. US military strategies shifted as President Nixon began the process of "Vietnamization," aiming to reduce American troop presence while bolstering the South Vietnamese forces. 

However, the horrors of war were undeniable, as evidenced by the tragic My Lai Massacre, a watershed moment that shocked the world and intensified the anti-war sentiment back home. The American public’s faith in their government was further eroded as images of devastation filtered back to their living rooms, fueling protests that were impossible to ignore.

Meanwhile, the anti-war movement grew to new heights. Demonstrations turned violent. Universities became epicenters of activism, with students leading the charge in demanding an end to the war. This era of civil unrest saw Americans questioning not just the war, but the very ideals of democracy, freedom, and justice.

At the same time, American culture was undergoing its own revolution. The year 1969 also saw monumental events that would shape the cultural landscape for decades to come. Woodstock, a festival of music and counterculture, symbolized the zenith of the 1960s' countercultural movement. 

Yet, even in this celebration of unity, the undercurrents of a nation divided were present. The utopian ideals of the 1960s were beginning to fracture as the harsh realities of war, politics, and societal change took hold.

And what better way to represent the battle and grit of 1969 than with this episode's featured recipe? Chef Money is stepping into the kitchen with his take on a classic diner staple that reflects one of the year's most brutal and unforgettable events—Hamburger Hill. 

Inspired by the infamous battle in May 1969, Chef Money’s "Hot Hamburger Hill" serves as a culinary tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in Vietnam, while also reflecting the heat and intensity of a year that changed the course of history.

Cheers!

Hot Hamburger Hill

Ingredients:

Hamburgers:

• 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
• ½ cup plain bread crumbs
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons salted butter

Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 12 large white mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup diced onion
• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

** Featured Recipe directions and chef tips available within the show