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Domestic Context of Vietnam

Domestic Context of Vietnam . An antiwar movement in the US pits supporters of the government's war policy against those who oppose it. The ideals and lifestyle of the counterculture movement challenge the traditional views of Americans. (Corresponds to 22.3). Anti-War Movement.

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Domestic Context of Vietnam

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  1. Domestic Context of Vietnam An antiwar movement in the US pits supporters of the government's war policy against those who oppose it. The ideals and lifestyle of the counterculture movement challenge the traditional views of Americans. (Corresponds to 22.3)

  2. Anti-War Movement • Counterculture challenges traditional American views • Great Society Suffers • $6 billion funding cut for Great Society • War more costly • Inflation rate rising • LBJ raises taxes • pay for war • check inflation

  3. Living Room War • Combat footage on TV news shows • “Credibility gap” b/w LBJ reports & events • Senate hearings add doubts about war

  4. "Manipulatable" Draft • Selective Service System • Men 18-26 for service • Many look for ways to avoid draft • White & rich get college deferment • 80% of soldiers from lower SES • Socioeconomic

  5. African Americans in Vietnam • Blacks serve in disproportionate numbers • Especially in ground combat • DOD institutes draft lottery in 1969 • Racial tensions high in units • Add to low morale

  6. Women Join the Ranks • 10,000 women serve as military nurses • Many volunteer: American Red Cross, United Services Organization

  7. Young People Mobilize • New Left • Demand sweeping changes • Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) • Free Speech Movement (FSM) • Criticize big business, government • Want individual freedom • Campus activism rises • Students protest • Ideas spread to colleges

  8. Movement Grows • 1965 protest marches draw thousands • 1966 DOD needs good grades for deferment • SDS tells students to: • Engage in civil disobedience • Go abroad • Some veterans do protest

  9. Protest to Resistance • Protests increase – become violent • Men burn draft cards • Men refuse to serve • Some flee to Canada

  10. War Divides the Nation • Doves oppose war • Believe US should withdraw • Hawks favor war • Send in forces to win • 1967 • Majority of Americans support war • Consider protesters disloyal

  11. Johnson Remains Determined • LBJ slows escalation • Criticized by hawks and doves • Stalemate leads McNamara’s resignation

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