Bell Ringer #5 – 1/7/ What happened at Kent State University in 1970? 2.Who were the “doves” during the Vietnam War? 3.Who were the “hawks”?
The Draft Under Selective Service, males age could be called to serve in armed service Some used “college deferment”
Working-class war 80% of soldiers from lower income levels Af-Ams accounted for 20% of American combat deaths but only 10% of U.S. population (disproportionate) 58,000 Americans died while serving in Vietnam. Average age of a Vietnam soldier was only 19!
Antiwar Movement Many believed Vietnam was a civil war and U.S. had no business there Huge protests in NYC and Washington D.C.
Music in the Sixties Motown, Rock n’ Roll, Bluegrass dominated American music at home and in Vietnam
War – by Edwin Starr, War, huh, yeah What is it good for Absolutely nothing, Uh-huh War, huh, yeah What is it good for Absolutely nothing Say it again, y'all War, huh, good God What is it good for Absolutely nothing, Listen to me Ohhh, war, I despise Because it means destruction Of innocent lives
War means tears To thousands of mothers eyes When their sons go to fight And lose their lives I said, war, huh Good God, y'all War, it ain't nothing But a heartbreaker War, friend only to the undertaker Ooooh, war It's an enemy to all mankind The point of war blows my mind War has caused unrest Within the younger generation Induction then destruction Who wants to die Aaaaah, war-huh Good God y'all What is it good for Absolutely nothing
Where Have all the Flowers Gone? by Pete Seeger, Where have all the flowers gone? Long time passing Girls have picked them every one When will they ever learn? Where have all the young girls gone? Taken husbands every one When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn? Where have all the young men gone? Long time passing Gone for soldiers every one Where have all the soldiers gone? Gone to graveyards every one Where have all the graveyards gone? Covered with flowers every one When will we ever learn?
“Ohio” by Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young Tin soldiers and Nixon's comin'. We're finally on our own. This summer I hear the drummin'. Four dead in Ohio. Gotta get down to it. Soldiers are gunning us down. Should have been done long ago. What if you knew her and Found her dead on the ground? How can you run when you know?
“Saigon Warrior” Patriotic Song by Hershel Grober "I wrote this for the soldiers... When I toured around Vietnam I went around the hospitals... It would always get a laugh from the troops..." "Excuse me General Westy... I have problems, My air conditioner is broke... My sedan is out of gas.. I can't get no three day pass.. I'm a Saigon warrior Helping fight a war... My finger is getting sore"
A Divided Nation DOVES Opposed war and wanted end to war Democrats Peace HAWKS Believed in greater military force Republicans Supported Vietnam War
War Supporters (Hawks) Believed U.S. Government must fight against communism Pushed patriotism