Question

There were positive and negative impacts of the anti- war movement during the Vietnam War on American society. One positive impact of the anti-war movement on American society was “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”. Source: 11.2.7. This evidence supports my example because the more young people are involved into politics the more chances that the public voices are heard. One negative impact of the anti-war movement on American society was “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”. Source: 11.2.7. This evidence supports my example because once peaceful protests turned into violent ones because innocent people were protesting and the mayor called the national guard to attack them just for protesting. In conclusion, the anti-war movement has had both positive and negative impacts on society.

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.

Answer 1

### Response to Classmate's Post on Positive Impacts of the Anti-War Movement:

Great insights on the positive impacts of the anti-war movement, particularly regarding the increased political engagement among young people! The push to lower the voting age was indeed a significant outcome, as it empowered a generation that felt directly affected by the draft and the decisions of their government. This movement helped spark a broader conversation about civic engagement and the importance of including younger voices in political discourse. It’s inspiring to see how activism can lead to tangible changes, like the eventual lowering of the voting age to 18 through the 26th Amendment. This level of involvement in politics not only encouraged more informed decision-making but also laid the groundwork for future movements, contributing to a more engaged and politically active society. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

### Response to Classmate's Post on Negative Impacts of the Anti-War Movement:

You've raised an important point about the negative impacts of the anti-war movement, particularly regarding the violence that sometimes erupted during protests. The incident you mentioned at Kent State is a tragic reminder of how peaceful demonstrations can escalate into violence, leading to loss of life and further division within society. Such events sparked national outrage and made many people wary of both the anti-war movement and the government’s response to dissent. This polarization is significant, as it not only affected public perception of protesters but also strained relationships between citizens and law enforcement. Your perspective highlights the complex nature of movements like this—how they can push for necessary change while also facing backlash that complicates the message. Thank you for shedding light on this critical aspect!