Warm up Name a time you felt like you were being discriminated against because of things about yourself that you just cannot change

Vietnam War

What was the war in Vietnam?

Vietnam -Overview Longest war in U.S. history More than 58,000 killed 300,000 wounded 14,000 disabled 800,000 Vietnam veterans diagnosed as having “significant” to “severe” problems of readjustment.

Public Opinion Two out of three Americans judge the Vietnam war to have been a “mistake.” Over 50% do not have a clear idea what the war was about. About 1/3 can’t even remember which side we supported.

A Different War First “living-room war – people watched footage of combat on the nightly news

76% of the men sent to Vietnam were from lower to middle class families. The average age of a soldier was 19. Most soldiers were drafted – few enlisted. Soldiers served a “tour of duty” – about 1 year.

Background of the War Vietnam – was a French colony that was invaded by the Japanese during WWII. Ho Chi Minh – leader of the Vietnamese – called the Vietminh. Ho Chi Minh supported Communism

Background French- control South Vietnam (Democracy) Ho Chi Minh – controlled North Vietnam (communism) French pull out of Vietnam, US is afraid that all of Vietnam will become communist now

Reasons for U.S. Involvement Containment – American policy of resisting further expansion of communism around the world Domino Theory – President Eisenhower’s – belief that if one country falls to communism, neighboring countries would fall.

The Two Leaders of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh – leader of North Vietnam Ngo Dihn Diem – “placed” into office by the United States. Leader of the South Vietnam

LBJ and Vietnam LBJ will escalate - increase U.S. involvement in the war. Sec. of Defense – Robert McNamara – recommends the U.S. send more troops

Trouble in the Gulf August 1964 –Gulf of Tonkin The U.S.S. Maddox was attacked by N. Vietnamese torpedo boats LBJ ask Congress to act Gulf of Tonkin Resolution gave LBJ a “Blank check” to do whatever steps needed to repeal attacks

Now that we are in war, we need manpower Many people do not know why we are in Vietnam Others do not agree with why we are in Vietnam Therefore, no one wants to go fight Many thought we were fighting Vietnam’s own civil war (war that they should settle themselves)

So what do they do? DRAFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Required all men to register when they reached the age 18 Mainly targeted men who were: Poor Minority Uneducated

So who are you? Gentlemen, when you came in you filled out a draft card that would have been filled out during Vietnam Let’s see who gets drafted!!!!!

Lives affected by the draft There will be approx. 9 families in class today In your families you will find out who has been drafted As a family you will have to decide what are you going to do now that your family member has been drafted Here are your options…

Options Go to Vietnam Conscientious objectors – men that claimed because of their religious beliefs that they could not fight in the war. Deferments – delayed entrance or not have to go at all. Mainly included upper class – because they could afford college. Prison- resisting the draft is a crime Dodge draft – go to Canada. YOU HAVE 5 MINUTES TO DECIDE

Let’s see what happens to you Read off draft board decisions

What was it really like in Vietnam? Dead Presidents: vzVU vzVU Forest Gump: gj_U KOri8

Letter from Vietnam

Protests

Trouble for Diem Diem is Catholic and outlaws buddist practices in Vietnam In protest to the Diem- Buddhist monks set themselves on fire. Nov. 1, 1963 – Diem is executed

Protests Woodstock- musical antiwar demonstration

Kent State May 4, 1970 Kent State University in Ohio Students upset because Pres. Nixon ordered U.S. troop into Cambodia. Student start protest march – national guard throws tear gas at students. Students throw rocks at National Guard. Minutes later – 4 students were shot dead.

Resisters of the Vietnam War

What was your fate? Issues when veterans returned home from Vietnam Country did not support them No jobs Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Nightmares High Suicide rate Alcoholism Abusive Desperation

How did the Vietnam War end?

Nixon Vietnamization – called for the gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops and for the Army of South Vietnam to take more control of the war.

Nixon “Peace with Honor” – Pres. Nixon wanted to maintain U.S. dignity in the face of withdrawal from the war.

Homework Write a 1 page summary answering the following prompt: Based on our activity today: Why was the Vietnam War so opposed in the United States? What were the effects of the Vietnam War on society emotionally, politically and economically?