Do Now: Why was the Vietnam War known as the "Living Room War"? What effect did the war have on the soldiers? The civilians back home? The Vietnamese?

 Vietnam vs. The Great Society  Lyndon B. Johnson’s domestic programs suffered  economy suffered  tax increases vs. GS program cuts  “The Living Room War”  Johnson’s credibility gap  War protests begin

Media’s Impact Reporters and television crews went on patrol with the soldiers. Television brought scenes of firefights and burning villages into America’s living rooms. Criticized the government’s reports about the war Hawks and Doves Doves—people opposed to the war Hawks—people who supported the war’s goals Both criticized the war effort. Antiwar Movement Much antiwar activity took place on college campuses. Most vocal group— Students for a Democratic Society.

 ,000 men and women in Vietnam.  Casualties rising- 2,500 in 1965 to 33,000 in  War not making progress  Most Americans believe that the U.S. should not walk away.  1965-Opinion polls show American’s favor LBJ- 66%  % support LBJ

 ,000 non-combatants are killed weekly.  U.S. dropping more bombs on Vietnam than all of WWII.  , 000 troops, and casualties of 80,000.  300,000 march in New York; 100,000 at the Pentagon.  College demonstrations across the country.

 Protest movements begin  Free Speech Movement, 1964  College Campus activism  restrictions  “teach-ins” (1965)

 College Campus activism  March on Washington, 1965 and 1966  “upping the ante”  protest in New York’s Central Park  burned draft cards

 Central Park “Lie-In”

 The Tet Offensive January 30, 1968  surprise attack by VC and NV Communists  Public opinion “stalemates”  government officials skeptical  media openly critical

 “Peace with honor”--Nixon & Vietnam  January 23, 1973  Nixon and troop withdrawals  On March 29, the last U.S. soldier left Vietnam.  My Lai Massacre  Protests resume  college campuses  Kent State University

 January 23, 1973  Agreement reached on ending the war  Nixon promises “full force” if agreement is broken  March 29, 1973  The Fall of Saigon

 58,000 dead; over 300,000 wounded  instability in SE Asia  anger at returning soldiers  medical/psychological issues  “the blame game”  The War Powers Resolution of 1973

 How does the idea of “the living room war" relate to this chapter and the readings today?