The Vietnam War A Quick Revision of the last two weeks

The end of the Second World War Germany is defeated and Divided into four zones by The Victorious Powers The United States, Britain, France and the Soviet Union. But peace does not last long. The United States wants Germany to be united and Democratic. The Soviet Union Wants Germany to be divided And communist.

Two New Superpowers The United States Capitalism Democracy Private Ownership The Soviet Union Communist Dictatorship Public Ownership

The Cold War

What is Communism? Communism is the idea that everyone in society receives equal share of Benefits from labor. This means that the government controls all means of production. No private ownership of business.

The Fear of Communism By 1950, there is a real fear of communism dominating Europe and Asia. In Europe, the Soviet Union is controlling Eastern Europe. In Asia, the Communists have taken power in China. In Australia, the communist party supported strikes in the coal industry in Communism is Seen as undermining Australian Industry and the Australian way of life.

The fear of communism In 1950, Robert Menzies bans the communist party In Australia. But the High Court says that the ban is Unconstitutional. So Menzies goes to the People in a referendum in The referendum votes ‘No’ to banning communism.

The Petrov Affair Fear and Paranoia again grip Australia when Vladimir Petrov seeks Asylum in Australia. Petrov claims that a Soviet Spy ring is operating from the Soviet Embassy. Robert Menzies sets Up a Royal Commission to investigate these claims.

The Korean War In 1950, the communist North Korea invades South Korea. North Korea is supported by China. Australia, an ally of the United States and a member of the United Nations sends troops. The war is stalemate – no body wins.

The Domino Theory – the Fear of Communism Is the theory that if one country falls to Communism then they will all fall to communism if Communism is not stopped.

Forward Defense – Fear of Communism Australia fears communist aggression spreading through South East Asia. Australia has the policy of ‘Forward Defense’ or stopping communism in Asia before it reaches Australia.

Cold War Alliances Australia joins an alliance with the United States and New Zealand – the Anzus Alliance. Australia also joins SEATO – the South East Asia Treaty Organisation with the United States, Britain, France, New Zealand, the Philippines.

Why does Australia go to Vietnam? Fear of Communism sweeping through South East Asia

The Vietnam War In 1962, South Vietnam asks for Help against the North Vietnamese Insurgents. Under the SEATO treaty, Australia pledges to stop communist aggression in South East Asia – including South Vietnam. In 1962, Australia sends military advisors to South Vietnam.

1964 – the war escalates In 1964, North Vietnamese attack U.S ships – ‘The Gulf of Tonkin’ incident. Australia also increases its troops to Vietnam and sends the HMAS Sydney. The U.S begins bombing raids against the North Vietnamese.

Conscription In 1964, the government introduces conscription or National Service. There is opposition to conscription from -Save Our Sons -The Labor Party -The Trade Unions -The Communist Party -Youth organisations

The Birthday Ballot Anyone who is 20 years and over must register. Conscripts are chosen From a birthday ballot – a date is picked out of a box. If your birthday Falls on that date, you must join the army for two years – or face jail

Support for the war Despite conscription, there is still wide support for the war In Vietnam. In 1966, LBJ visits Australia. He Is greeted like royalty. Australia promises our full support for the war – ‘All the way with LBJ’. In 1966, the Liberal party is re- elected. Australia increases its troops in Vietnam to 6,000.

Growing opposition to the war By 1970, there is growing opposition to the War in Vietnam. The Vietnam War is seen on television. People Are seeing the horror of the war on television

Growing opposition to the war In 1966, the government announces that conscripted Soldiers will be sent to Vietnam. The Tet offensive – the North Vietnamese Attack in Although the Americans defeat the North Vietnamese, it gives the impression to many Australians that the War will never end and more troops will be sent to Vietnam. The My Lai Massacre becomes known. The murder of innocent civilians by American troops now shows that this is no longer an honorable war.

The Moratorium Movement In 1970, all of the groups that oppose the Vietnam War and conscription join together In the ‘Moratorium Movement’ or stop the War. They have two demands -Stop the war and bring all soldiers home from Vietnam -End conscription The first protests are held in May 1970 in all Major cities and again in September The 1970 moratorium marches attract 200,000 People. There are some clashes between supporters of the War and opponents of the war in Adelaide.

So why was Australia involved in Vietnam? Fear of Communism spreading in South-East Asia and communist influence in Australia. The Domino theory, the Korean War, Forward defense, ANZUS, SEATO – stopping communism from coming to Australia. In Australia, the 1951 ban and Referendum, the Petrov Affair, 1966 LBJ and 1966 election.