The Antiwar Movement and the End of the Vietnam War

But First Some Questions You should know the answers to Test yourself If you don’t know the answers REVIEW THEM

1. What was the Domino Theory? The belief that if Vietnam fell to communism, neighboring Asian countries would as well.

2. Which Country did the U.S. Support? South Vietnam

3. Which Country was communist? North Vietnam

4. What Countries Supported North Vietnam? Soviet Union China

5. Where did the Vietcong Operate? South Vietnam

6. What Tactics did the Vietcong Use? Guerrilla Warfare: ambushes, traps, hit-and-run tactics.

7. Who was Ho Chi Minh? The communist leader of North Vietnam who formed the Vietcong to unify the nation.

8. What happened in the Gulf of Tonkin? The Johnson administration claimed that the North Vietnamese carried out an unprovoked attack on U.S. ships.

9. What was the significance of the Gulf of Tonkin incident? Congress authorized the president to take whatever actions necessary- which led to an escalation of troops and bombings.

And Now, The Beginning of the End

The Antiwar Movement and the End of the Vietnam War

1. Credibility Gap The public did not trust what the U.S. government was saying about the war in Vietnam.

1. Credibility Gap General William Westmoreland promised “light at the end of the tunnel” and that the U.S. was “near victory.”

1. Credibility Gap However, T.V. showed images daily of dead and wounded soldiers- leading to doubt amongst the public.

“What shall I put down as the reason for dying?” 2. Opposition to The War “What shall I put down as the reason for dying?”

2. Reasons for Opposition to War It was a civil war between the Vietnamese- none of our business.

2. Reasons for Opposition to War Ngo Dinh Diem’s government of South Vietnam was corrupt and not worth supporting.

2. Reasons for Opposition to War

2. Reasons for Opposition to War

3. The Military Draft Forced military service- also known as conscription.

3. The Military Draft

4. Reasons to Oppose the Draft Majority of those who fought were of lower classes.

4. Reasons to Oppose the Draft Many of those in the lower classes were minorities.

4. Reasons to Oppose the Draft Many chose not to go- fleeing to Canada, claiming medical deferrals, or going to prison.

4. Opposition to the Draft

4. Opposition to the Draft

4. Opposition the Draft

5. Doves Those who wanted U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam.

6. Hawks Those who wanted the U.S. to keep fighting in Vietnam.

7. The Tet Offensive Large scale offensive by VC and North Vietnam on January 30, 1968 (Vietnamese Lunar New Year).

7. The Tet Offensive North Vietnamese Fighters even launched attack on U.S. Embassy in capital of Saigon.

7. The Tet Offensive Militarily the attack did not succeed.

7. The Tet Offensive U.S. media coverage turned more negative = political victory for North Vietnam.

8. 1968 Presidential Election With two antiwar challengers, LBJ decides not to run for president in 1968.

8. 1968 Presidential Election

8. 1968 Presidential Election Thousands protest the war at the Democratic National Convention

8. 1968 Presidential Election A “police riot” breaks out on the evening of the nominations

8. 1968 Presidential Election The violence outside does not help the Democrats’ chances of winning the White House

8. 1968 Presidential Election The violence outside does not help the Democrats’ chances of winning the White House

8. 1968 Presidential Election Democrats nominate Vice President Hubert Humphrey for President.

8. 1968 Presidential Election Nixon wins the presidency in 1968- promising law and order and an end to the war.

9. The “Silent Majority” Nixon believes majority of Americans support the war and media coverage is biased.

9. The “Silent Majority” Do polls support Nixon’s claim in November 1969?

9. Nixon’s War President Nixon pursues Vietnamization- withdrawal of U.S. troops (increased bombing).

9.Nixon’s War

9. Nixon’s War

Next: Read about the End of the War During Nixon’s Presidency