The Counterculture Anti-War Movement

Words to Know Generation gap: difference between younger generations and their elders Doves: opponents of the Vietnam War Hawks: supporters of the Vietnam War Counterculture: a social movement whose values go against those of established society Deferment: an excuse issued by the draft board, that lets a person be excused from military service for various reasons

Youth Protests Pro-war groups, or supporters of war, referred to protestors as “traitors” Anti-war groups, or protestors of war, referred to supporters as “killers” The war seemed to split America – Differences came mostly from the generation gap

Anti-war Movement When the war began in Vietnam, Americans thought defending South Vietnam from communist aggression was of national interest – As it continued, Americans became concerned with high cost of war and rising casualties Peace movement leaders opposed the war on moral and economic grounds – Argued the North Vietnamese were fighting a patriotic war – Believed innocent peasants were getting killed – Felt Americans were causing environmental damage

Doves Outnumber Hawks Students and other opponents of the Vietnam War came to be called Doves Supporters of the war came to be called Hawks When Operation Rolling Thunder began, 15% of the American public opposed the war effort in Vietnam – By January 1968, it increased to 28% of doves – Six weeks after the Tet Offensive, Doves outnumbered Hawks 42 to 41% Caption ” Well, Now let’s see what hatches?”

The Counterculture Many that were opposed to the war were a part of the counterculture – Baby boom was entering its teenage years – Many rejected the conformity of their parents New “hippie” lifestyle included new attitudes about sex, drugs, fashion, and music – Were influenced by new philosophies and religions Earth centered religion, astrological beliefs, and Eastern faiths

Hippie Lifestyle American diet changed – Health food stores sold wheat germ, yogurt, and granola These foods were foreign in the 1950s – Vegetarianism became popular Fashion became a major change – Men often had long hair and women would wear flower decorations – Ethnic or peasant clothing were celebrated Beads, bell bottoms, and tie- dyed shirts became popular Became all about individuality

Small Majority Counterculture was no more than 10% of American youth – Most Americans sought careers and lifestyles similar to their parents Media made their numbers seem larger than reality – Made a cultural impact on America – Woodstock 1969 Slogan: Peace, Love, and Music Performances were often in protest of the war Why didn’t it last? – While Hippies talked about starting a revolution, they never tried to affect one

The Draft Student protests targeted the selective service system, or the draft – Age of the average American soldier was 19, seven years younger than they were in WWII Those opposed to American involvement believed that by forcing an end to the draft, they could cut half the supply of soldiers – Many called the draft unfair Believed if you could fight and die for your country, you should be given other privileges

Draft Deferments Deferments were given for various reasons – Full-time students attending college, most from the middle class Began to see an increase of soldiers from the lower and working class – Some claimed their moral or religious beliefs prevented them from fighting the war – Others showed opposition by burning their draft card

Protests The late 1960s became increasingly intense in the US as activists felt their demands were ignored Peaceful demonstrations turned violent – Despite the growing movement, a silent majority of Americans still supported the Vietnam effort – Many admitted Vietnam was a mistake but military defeat was unthinkable Protests began to increase after Nixon announced the invasions of Cambodia, a neutral country

Kent State Massacre Students at Kent State University in Ohio, rioted in protest at Nixon’s decision to expand the war – Burned down the ROTC building on campus and destroyed local property Governor of Ohio sent the National Guard to maintain order – At noon students gathered for a protest rally – Guards told them to evacuate – Students shouted, “We don’t want your war.” – Troops shot tear gas towards students Troops chased students and suddenly shots were fired – Four students died and nine were wounded

Jackson State Eleven days after Kent State Massacre violence erupted again Jackson State College in Mississippi – Student protestors gathered to protest the war – Were confronted by state and local police – Police opened fire – Killed two students and injured 12

War Ends Protests continued but not with the violence seen at Kent State or Jackson State By 1972, Nixon announced “peace with honor” and began withdrawing troops