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America Divided

America Divided. Chapter 30.3. The Draft. Most soldiers who fought in Vietnam were drafted (Selective Service System) – all men 18-26 required to register Some deferred for medical reasons, but others looked for ways to avoid service

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America Divided

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  1. America Divided Chapter 30.3

  2. The Draft • Most soldiers who fought in Vietnam were drafted (Selective Service System) – all men 18-26 required to register • Some deferred for medical reasons, but others looked for ways to avoid service • Move to areas with more favorable draft boards, get friendly doctor to give deferment, some joined up with National Guard or Coast Guard • Could also be deferred if you were enrolled in college • Most college students were wealthier white people, left war to be fought by lower class whites and minorities

  3. African Americans • In early war, black soldiers accounted for 20% of combat deaths despite only being 10% of America’s population • MLK had kept out of anti-war movement – didn’t want to distract from Civil Rights movement • 1967, he couldn’t remain silent – “cruel irony” of so many African Americans fighting a war for a nation that treats them as second-class citizens

  4. Women in Military • Women not allowed to serve in combat roles • ~10,000 served in military, mostly as nurses • Thousands more volunteered with Red Cross or USO

  5. Opposition to War • “New Left” – growing youth movement – pushed for sweeping social change • Students for a Democratic Society – argued that corporations and big government had taken over America; pushed for more individual freedom and effective participation • Free Speech Movement – born on Berkeley campus – students demanding speech rights • Students major source of anti-war movement strength • Joined by returning veterans as well as folk singers to spread message

  6. Protest Becomes Resistance • In 1967, protest movement intensifies • People start burning draft cards • Others serve jail time for refusing to serve • Resistance to draft continues until Nixon phases it out in early 70s • 30,000 demonstrators march on Pentagon and are tear-gassed and clubbed (~1500 injured, 700 arrested

  7. “Doves” and “Hawks” • Nation divides into anti-war (doves) and pro-war (hawks) sides • Doves criticized LBJ for remaining in Vietnam War • Hawks also critical for not increasing military might quickly enough • Though anti-war movement is very visible, in 1967, more Americans still support war • 70% of polled believe war protests were “acts of disloyalty”

  8. 1960’s ButtonsWhy buttons? Buttons can be a silent way to get a message across and can also be used as a form of protest.

  9. Equal Rights/Women’s Rights

  10. Civil Rights

  11. Counterculture/Concern for the Environment

  12. Anti-War

  13. Your Task: Turn to the Primary Source Activity in your Vietnam packets. • Your Goal: • On a sheet of paper, create a button that expresses your opinion on a social issue from the 1950’s, 1960’s or 1970’s, or from today, if you choose. • Topics to choose from (but not limited to): • Communism/Nuclear Weapons • Vietnam (Pro or Anti War) • Civil Rights • Women’s Rights • Gay/Lesbian Rights • Counter Culture Movement • Pollution/Environmental Issues • Current Wars

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