Domestic Context of Vietnam An antiwar movement in the US pits supporters of the government's war policy against those who oppose it. The ideals and lifestyle of the counterculture movement challenge the traditional views of Americans. (Corresponds to 22.3)

Anti-War Movement Counterculture challenges traditional American views Great Society Suffers –$6 billion funding cut for Great Society –War more costly –Inflation rate rising LBJ raises taxes –pay for war –check inflation

Living Room War Combat footage on TV news shows “Credibility gap” b/w LBJ reports & events Senate hearings add doubts about war

"Manipulatable" Draft Selective Service System –Men for service Many look for ways to avoid draft White & rich get college deferment 80% of soldiers from lower SES –Socioeconomic

African Americans in Vietnam Blacks serve in disproportionate numbers –Especially in ground combat DOD institutes draft lottery in 1969 Racial tensions high in units –Add to low morale

Women Join the Ranks 10,000 women serve as military nurses Many volunteer: American Red Cross, United Services Organization

Young People Mobilize New Left –Demand sweeping changes Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) Free Speech Movement (FSM) –Criticize big business, government –Want individual freedom Campus activism rises –Students protest –Ideas spread to colleges

Movement Grows 1965 protest marches draw thousands 1966 DOD needs good grades for deferment SDS tells students to: –Engage in civil disobedience –Go abroad Some veterans do protest

Protest to Resistance Protests increase – become violent Men burn draft cards Men refuse to serve –Some flee to Canada

War Divides the Nation Doves oppose war –Believe US should withdraw Hawks favor war –Send in forces to win 1967 –Majority of Americans support war –Consider protesters disloyal

Johnson Remains Determined LBJ slows escalation –Criticized by hawks and doves Stalemate leads McNamara’s resignation