Question
What do you know about the Vietnam War? Spend a few moments recalling what you already know. Identify a question you would like to answer about the Vietnam War. Keep the question in mind and look to answer it as you work through the lesson.
In this discussion, you will talk with your peers about the positive and negative impacts of the anti-war movement.
Begin your discussion by addressing the following prompt:
Discuss the positive and negative impacts of the anti-war movement.
Post a detailed response to the discussion prompt. Then do the following:
Respond to a classmate’s post about the positive impacts of the anti-war movement.
Respond to a classmate’s post about the negative impacts of the anti-war movement.
As the Vietnam War dragged on, more Americans came to oppose it. People had many reasons to be concerned about the Vietnam War. Some simply opposed the war on moral grounds. Others had lost friends and family members.
Those who opposed the war showed their dissatisfaction in a variety of ways, including public protests and marches. Many war protests were peaceful. The Vietnam Out Now rally in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 1971, attracted more than 200,000 people without a major incident. At times, however, peaceful protests turned violent. The most tragic and politically damaging protest occurred on May 4, 1970, at Kent State University in Ohio. Violence erupted when the mayor of the town of Kent asked Ohio’s governor to send in the National Guard after a student war protest. Guard members with bayonets attached to their rifles approached the students. After forcing most of them to disband, the troops seemed to be departing. But for unknown reasons, they halted, turned, and shot at the protesters. Nine students were wounded; four were killed. On May 15, a similar tragedy took place at Jackson State College, an African American college in Jackson, Mississippi.
Some protesters showed opposition through symbols. In 1965, several teenagers decided to wear black armbands to school to protest the war. After their school suspended them, they took their cause all the way to the Supreme Court in the Tinker v. Des Moines case. In the 1969 decision, the court reaffirmed the teenagers’ right to protest and practice free speech in public schools.
Student involvement in the anti-war movement during the Vietnam War drew many young people to become more active in politics. A demand for lowering the voting age arose. Many supporters argued that if 18-year-olds were old enough to be drafted, they were also old enough to vote. The result was the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. It was proposed on March 23, 1971, and ratified on July 1, 1971. The ratification period of 107 days was the shortest in U.S. history. The amendment was passed quickly to avert potential problems in the 1972 elections.
Listen to the podcast about the tragedy at Kent State University. Access the transcript if you’d like to follow along in text. Note: While the events in this podcast are based in fact, the story is only representative of the time period. It is fiction. As you listen, consider how the events at Kent State affected public opinion about U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
Key Events of the Vietnam War
A large pile of rubble and other debris lies in a street. Burned-out and damaged buildings line both sides of the street. A small number of people, some dressed in military attire, walk nearby.
South Vietnamese forces sometimes destroyed their own territory while trying to force the Viet Cong out into the open. This suburb of the South Vietnamese city of Saigon was burned by South Vietnamese troops soon after the Tet Offensive.
Under President Johnson, United States involvement in the Vietnam War expanded from a support role to offensive operations. In March 1965, large-scale sustained U.S. bombing of North Vietnam began. The campaign lasted until 1968. Its intent was to force the North to end its support for the Viet Cong insurgency in the South. However, with the help of anti-aircraft defenses from China and the Soviet Union, the North was able to shoot down more than 900 U.S. aircraft, and the Viet Cong continued to attack U.S. bases in the South. General William Westmoreland, commander of U.S. troops in Vietnam, tried various tactics to secure territory in the South and force out insurgents. None were very successful. Nevertheless, the Johnson administration publicly claimed that the war was going well and would soon be over.
On January 30, 1968, the North Vietnamese launched their most aggressive assault on the South, deploying close to 85,000 troops. Known as the Tet Offensive, these attacks were carried out in nearly 100 cities in South Vietnam, including the capital, Saigon. North Vietnamese forces suffered far more casualties than did those of the United States. However, public opinion in the United States turned against the war. Americans’ opinions were mainly fueled by graphic images provided in unprecedented media coverage. Disastrous surprise attacks like the Tet Offensive persuaded many that the war would not be over soon. Doubts arose about whether Johnson’s administration was telling the truth about the real state of the conflict.
On March 16, 1968, soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 23rd Infantry Division committed one of the most notorious atrocities of the war. Approximately 100 soldiers were sent to destroy the village of My Lai. The villagers were suspected of hiding Viet Cong fighters. The platoon leaders believed that the order to destroy the enemy included killing women and children. Hundreds of unarmed civilians were murdered. Americans at home were horrified at the graphic footage of the My Lai massacre. The incident confirmed a growing belief that the war was unjust and not being fought on behalf of the Vietnamese people.
Answer the question based on what you have read.
How did the Tet Offensive affect the role of the United States in the Vietnam War?
Look at the two graphs about U.S. involvement in Vietnam. What trends in troop deployments do you see over time? What do the graphs reveal about battle deaths? Why is it likely that as the number of forces increased, so did the number of battle deaths?
A graph illustrates the numbers of the U.S. military forces in Vietnam from 1955 to 1972. The numbers are as follows. President Eisenhower (1953 to 1960): 1955, 400; 1956, 400; 1957, 400; 1958, 400; 1959, 760; 1960, 900; President Kennedy (1961 to 1963): 1961, 3,205; 1962, 11,300; 1963, 16,300; President Johnson (1963 to 1969): 1964, 23,300; 1965,
A graph illustrates the numbers of US military battle deaths in Vietnam from 1955 to 1972. The numbers are as follows. President Eisenhower (1953 to 1960): 1955, 0; 1956, 0; 1957, 0; 1958, 0; 1959, 4; 1960, 5; President Kennedy (1961 to 1963): 1961, 16; 1962, 53; 1963, 122; President Johnson (1963 to 1969): 1964, 216; 1965, 1928; 1966, 6350; 1967,
In this discussion, you will talk with your peers about the positive and negative impacts of the anti-war movement.
Begin your discussion by addressing the following prompt:
Discuss the positive and negative impacts of the anti-war movement.
Post a detailed response to the discussion prompt. Then do the following:
Respond to a classmate’s post about the positive impacts of the anti-war movement.
Respond to a classmate’s post about the negative impacts of the anti-war movement.
As the Vietnam War dragged on, more Americans came to oppose it. People had many reasons to be concerned about the Vietnam War. Some simply opposed the war on moral grounds. Others had lost friends and family members.
Those who opposed the war showed their dissatisfaction in a variety of ways, including public protests and marches. Many war protests were peaceful. The Vietnam Out Now rally in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 1971, attracted more than 200,000 people without a major incident. At times, however, peaceful protests turned violent. The most tragic and politically damaging protest occurred on May 4, 1970, at Kent State University in Ohio. Violence erupted when the mayor of the town of Kent asked Ohio’s governor to send in the National Guard after a student war protest. Guard members with bayonets attached to their rifles approached the students. After forcing most of them to disband, the troops seemed to be departing. But for unknown reasons, they halted, turned, and shot at the protesters. Nine students were wounded; four were killed. On May 15, a similar tragedy took place at Jackson State College, an African American college in Jackson, Mississippi.
Some protesters showed opposition through symbols. In 1965, several teenagers decided to wear black armbands to school to protest the war. After their school suspended them, they took their cause all the way to the Supreme Court in the Tinker v. Des Moines case. In the 1969 decision, the court reaffirmed the teenagers’ right to protest and practice free speech in public schools.
Student involvement in the anti-war movement during the Vietnam War drew many young people to become more active in politics. A demand for lowering the voting age arose. Many supporters argued that if 18-year-olds were old enough to be drafted, they were also old enough to vote. The result was the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. It was proposed on March 23, 1971, and ratified on July 1, 1971. The ratification period of 107 days was the shortest in U.S. history. The amendment was passed quickly to avert potential problems in the 1972 elections.
Listen to the podcast about the tragedy at Kent State University. Access the transcript if you’d like to follow along in text. Note: While the events in this podcast are based in fact, the story is only representative of the time period. It is fiction. As you listen, consider how the events at Kent State affected public opinion about U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
Key Events of the Vietnam War
A large pile of rubble and other debris lies in a street. Burned-out and damaged buildings line both sides of the street. A small number of people, some dressed in military attire, walk nearby.
South Vietnamese forces sometimes destroyed their own territory while trying to force the Viet Cong out into the open. This suburb of the South Vietnamese city of Saigon was burned by South Vietnamese troops soon after the Tet Offensive.
Under President Johnson, United States involvement in the Vietnam War expanded from a support role to offensive operations. In March 1965, large-scale sustained U.S. bombing of North Vietnam began. The campaign lasted until 1968. Its intent was to force the North to end its support for the Viet Cong insurgency in the South. However, with the help of anti-aircraft defenses from China and the Soviet Union, the North was able to shoot down more than 900 U.S. aircraft, and the Viet Cong continued to attack U.S. bases in the South. General William Westmoreland, commander of U.S. troops in Vietnam, tried various tactics to secure territory in the South and force out insurgents. None were very successful. Nevertheless, the Johnson administration publicly claimed that the war was going well and would soon be over.
On January 30, 1968, the North Vietnamese launched their most aggressive assault on the South, deploying close to 85,000 troops. Known as the Tet Offensive, these attacks were carried out in nearly 100 cities in South Vietnam, including the capital, Saigon. North Vietnamese forces suffered far more casualties than did those of the United States. However, public opinion in the United States turned against the war. Americans’ opinions were mainly fueled by graphic images provided in unprecedented media coverage. Disastrous surprise attacks like the Tet Offensive persuaded many that the war would not be over soon. Doubts arose about whether Johnson’s administration was telling the truth about the real state of the conflict.
On March 16, 1968, soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 23rd Infantry Division committed one of the most notorious atrocities of the war. Approximately 100 soldiers were sent to destroy the village of My Lai. The villagers were suspected of hiding Viet Cong fighters. The platoon leaders believed that the order to destroy the enemy included killing women and children. Hundreds of unarmed civilians were murdered. Americans at home were horrified at the graphic footage of the My Lai massacre. The incident confirmed a growing belief that the war was unjust and not being fought on behalf of the Vietnamese people.
Answer the question based on what you have read.
How did the Tet Offensive affect the role of the United States in the Vietnam War?
Look at the two graphs about U.S. involvement in Vietnam. What trends in troop deployments do you see over time? What do the graphs reveal about battle deaths? Why is it likely that as the number of forces increased, so did the number of battle deaths?
A graph illustrates the numbers of the U.S. military forces in Vietnam from 1955 to 1972. The numbers are as follows. President Eisenhower (1953 to 1960): 1955, 400; 1956, 400; 1957, 400; 1958, 400; 1959, 760; 1960, 900; President Kennedy (1961 to 1963): 1961, 3,205; 1962, 11,300; 1963, 16,300; President Johnson (1963 to 1969): 1964, 23,300; 1965,
A graph illustrates the numbers of US military battle deaths in Vietnam from 1955 to 1972. The numbers are as follows. President Eisenhower (1953 to 1960): 1955, 0; 1956, 0; 1957, 0; 1958, 0; 1959, 4; 1960, 5; President Kennedy (1961 to 1963): 1961, 16; 1962, 53; 1963, 122; President Johnson (1963 to 1969): 1964, 216; 1965, 1928; 1966, 6350; 1967,
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
The Vietnam War was a complex and multifaceted conflict that significantly shaped American society and international relations in the 20th century. As public sentiment shifted against the war, the anti-war movement emerged as a powerful force, affecting political dynamics, social discourse, and cultural attitudes both during the war and in its aftermath.
### Positive Impacts of the Anti-War Movement
1. **Increased Political Awareness and Activity**: The anti-war movement galvanized a generation, leading to increased political participation among young people. Issues surrounding the Vietnam War prompted many to engage in the political process, ultimately culminating in the ratification of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18. This shift empowered younger Americans to have a say in political matters, particularly those affecting their future.
2. **Cultural Shift and Social Justice Advocacy**: The movement also fostered a more critical view of the government and its policies. With anti-war protestors questioning the moral grounds of U.S. military intervention, the movement coincided with other social justice movements, including civil rights and women's rights. This confluence of activism initiated broader discussions about morality, privilege, and justice in American society.
3. **Influence on Policy and Military Engagement**: The persistent protests and public backlash surrounding the Vietnam War led to a reevaluation of U.S. military involvement in foreign conflicts. Events like the Kent State shooting fueled public dissent and ultimately influenced policymakers to withdraw U.S. troops from Vietnam.
### Negative Impacts of the Anti-War Movement
1. **Social Division and Civil Unrest**: The anti-war movement contributed to significant social polarization in the United States. Supporters of the war viewed protestors with hostility, labeling them as unpatriotic or as traitors. This division often resulted in violent confrontations between opposing groups, hindering national unity during a tumultuous time.
2. **Backlash and Reactionary Policies**: In some cases, the anti-war sentiment led to a strong governmental backlash against activists, leading to increased surveillance, repression of protests, and a more militarized police response to dissent. This governmental reaction fostered a climate of fear and further eroded trust in institutions, complicating the relationship between citizens and their government.
3. **Misunderstood Message and Extremism**: While many participants in the anti-war movement sought peaceful solutions and constructive dialogue, some radical factions advocated for extreme measures and violence. This extremism sometimes overshadowed the legitimate grievances of the broader movement, leading to negative media portrayals that diminished public sympathy for anti-war activists.
### Conclusion
In reflecting on the complexities of the anti-war movement, it is evident that its impact was felt both positively and negatively. While it promoted greater political engagement and highlighted critical social issues, it also contributed to national division and governmental repression. Understanding these dynamics is essential for evaluating the Vietnam War's legacy and the ongoing conversations about war, peace, and civic responsibility in contemporary society.
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Responses to Classmates
1. **Response to Classmate on Positive Impacts**: I appreciate your insights on the cultural impacts of the anti-war movement, particularly how it influenced music and art during the era. The songs and artworks that emerged in response to the war were not only forms of protest but also helped to shape public consciousness about the conflict in powerful ways. They resonate with the emotions of loss, hope, and resistance that many felt during that time.
2. **Response to Classmate on Negative Impacts**: You raised an important point about the social divisions that arose due to the anti-war protests. It’s fascinating yet tragic how such a significant movement could also lead to polarization within American society. This division likely complicated the path forward for reconciliation after the war ended, highlighting the complexities of social movements and their multifaceted effects on collective national identity.
### Positive Impacts of the Anti-War Movement
1. **Increased Political Awareness and Activity**: The anti-war movement galvanized a generation, leading to increased political participation among young people. Issues surrounding the Vietnam War prompted many to engage in the political process, ultimately culminating in the ratification of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18. This shift empowered younger Americans to have a say in political matters, particularly those affecting their future.
2. **Cultural Shift and Social Justice Advocacy**: The movement also fostered a more critical view of the government and its policies. With anti-war protestors questioning the moral grounds of U.S. military intervention, the movement coincided with other social justice movements, including civil rights and women's rights. This confluence of activism initiated broader discussions about morality, privilege, and justice in American society.
3. **Influence on Policy and Military Engagement**: The persistent protests and public backlash surrounding the Vietnam War led to a reevaluation of U.S. military involvement in foreign conflicts. Events like the Kent State shooting fueled public dissent and ultimately influenced policymakers to withdraw U.S. troops from Vietnam.
### Negative Impacts of the Anti-War Movement
1. **Social Division and Civil Unrest**: The anti-war movement contributed to significant social polarization in the United States. Supporters of the war viewed protestors with hostility, labeling them as unpatriotic or as traitors. This division often resulted in violent confrontations between opposing groups, hindering national unity during a tumultuous time.
2. **Backlash and Reactionary Policies**: In some cases, the anti-war sentiment led to a strong governmental backlash against activists, leading to increased surveillance, repression of protests, and a more militarized police response to dissent. This governmental reaction fostered a climate of fear and further eroded trust in institutions, complicating the relationship between citizens and their government.
3. **Misunderstood Message and Extremism**: While many participants in the anti-war movement sought peaceful solutions and constructive dialogue, some radical factions advocated for extreme measures and violence. This extremism sometimes overshadowed the legitimate grievances of the broader movement, leading to negative media portrayals that diminished public sympathy for anti-war activists.
### Conclusion
In reflecting on the complexities of the anti-war movement, it is evident that its impact was felt both positively and negatively. While it promoted greater political engagement and highlighted critical social issues, it also contributed to national division and governmental repression. Understanding these dynamics is essential for evaluating the Vietnam War's legacy and the ongoing conversations about war, peace, and civic responsibility in contemporary society.
---
Responses to Classmates
1. **Response to Classmate on Positive Impacts**: I appreciate your insights on the cultural impacts of the anti-war movement, particularly how it influenced music and art during the era. The songs and artworks that emerged in response to the war were not only forms of protest but also helped to shape public consciousness about the conflict in powerful ways. They resonate with the emotions of loss, hope, and resistance that many felt during that time.
2. **Response to Classmate on Negative Impacts**: You raised an important point about the social divisions that arose due to the anti-war protests. It’s fascinating yet tragic how such a significant movement could also lead to polarization within American society. This division likely complicated the path forward for reconciliation after the war ended, highlighting the complexities of social movements and their multifaceted effects on collective national identity.