26.2 – VIETNAM DIVIDES THE NATION Spring of 1965 – American troops first enter the war under LBJ and public support for American policies in Vietnam is high (66%) As casualties climbed and progress seemed lacking many Americans began questioning the war Media reports contradicted reports by General Westmoreland Credibility gap? Congress began having doubts Walter Cronkite report

26.2 – NATION DIVIDED TEACH-INS March, 1965 – students and teachers discussed the war and reasons they opposed it National Teach-In Day – May 1965; 122 colleges; by radio for more than 100,000 antiwar demonstrators Why did they oppose it? Many reasons: a.Civil War that was not America’s business b.S. Vietnam had a corrupt gov’t and therefore did not deserve to be defended/supported

26.2 – NATION DIVIDED DRAFT Prior to 1969 college students could defer until graduation Socioeconomic effect of this? -If we can fight, why can’t we vote? (26 th amendment) -as more became eligible for the draft, more and more draftees refused to go -What did they do? Majority of soldiers were actually volunteers (why volunteer?) Disproportionate number of volunteers were working-class African-Americans Unfair treatment? Disproportionate death rate?

26.2 – NATION DIVIDED PROTESTS Protests took many forms, not just limited to college campuses Public rallies in many towns and cities Ex. Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) organized a march on Washington, D.C.

TROOP ESCALATION IN VIETNAM ADMINISTRATIONDATEMILITARY FORCES, TOTAL JKF19613,200 JKF196211,300 JFK196316,300 LBJ196423,300 LBJ ,300 LBJ ,300 LBJ ,600 LBJ ,100 NIXON ,200 NIXON ,600 NIXON ,800 NIXON197224,200

26.2 – NATION DIVIDED HAWKS Early 1968 poll – 53% of Americans favored stronger military action; 24% wanted an end to the war Hawks believed America should stay and continue to fight DOVES Wanted the U.S. to withdraw from Vietnam; end the war

26.2 – 1968 Major events took place during this dramatic year: 1.January – Tet Offensive – victory and defeat at the same time? 2.March – LBJ announced he would not seek reelection 3.Assassinations of MLK and RFK 4.Riots between antiwar protestors and the police 5.Nixon wins the presidential election

1968 – YEAR IN REVIEW POSTER TOPICS 1.Tet Offensive 2.LBJ announcement 3.Assassinations of MLK and RFK 4. Nixon elected MUST HAVES 1.Title (same as this slide) 2.Headings (the 5 topics) 3.At least 1 picture for each topic 4.Caption for each picture that explains the significance of the picture and event