HS A-85: “Vietnam and the Crisis of American Liberalism” Thursday, March 22 , 2007

1. HS A-85: “Vietnam and the Crisis of American Liberalism”Thursday, March 22 , 2007 • War in Vietnam created a “War at Home” A. Not the usual homefront war experience B. Shattered postwar liberal consensus around anti-communism, fed govt. role in creating prosperity, protection of indiv rights; limited Am military involvements primed the pump through “military Keynesianism” C. Dramatic shift in American support for war, from 27% opposed in 1964 to only 29% in favor in 1972 • Battle for public opinion in this “undeclared war” that had to be sold to Americans; battle for public opinion took place in multiple arenas: A. On television B. In popular culture C. Around the draft D. Realm of politics—popular politics of anti-war and pro-war and also within political parties and campaigns

2. The Year 1968 January/February—Tet Offensive, a boost to presidential campaign of anti-war Democrat, Senator Eugene McCarthy March—Robert Kennedy announced his candidacy for president LBJ withdrew from presidential race April—Martin Luther King, Jr. assassinated in Memphis RFK appeared to be Democratic frontrunner Columbia University strike over building gym in Morningside Heights, ignites protests elsewhere “May ’68”—a world-wide event, a historic “revolutionary moment?” June—RFK won California primary and then was assassinated August—Democratic Convention in Chicago, Humphrey (HHH) nominated inside, protests in the streets November—Richard Nixon elected president vs. HHH and Wallace, his constituency the “Silent Majority,” his issue “Law and Order”