1. Arguments For and Against American Involvement

2. South Vietnam asked for help must defend Democracy & freedom around the world Strategic location for the security of the U.S. must stop the spread of communism necessary for stability in Southeast Asia must defend against Chinese aggression tradition (all Presidents since 1954 helped South Vietnam)

3. costs outweigh the benefits there are other alternatives (ex: diplomacy, continue to send aid to ARVN, use UN) sending troops would be an abuse of our world power neither side can win a complete military victory war is about Vietnamese independence, NOT communism or democracy

5. Life of Soldiers and The Draft

6. about 2.6 million Americans served in Vietnam (1964 – 1975) 2/3 were volunteers Over 58,000 died 304,000 were injured average age was 22 80% of soldiers came from lower economic levels African Americans served in disproportionate numbers (they were 41% of soldiers, but only about 11% of the population of the U.S) Draft lasted from 1964 – 1972 All men aged 18 – 26 were eligible (over 1. 7 million men were drafted – not all served) Variety of deferments existed to avoid going to Vietnam (examples: College Deferments, Conscientious Objector Status, Service in the National Guard, Physical or Mental “Defect”)

7. jungle terrain = guerilla style warfare inability to identify the enemy (Vietcong/VC/Charlie) enemy tunnel system, booby traps, land mines brutal weather conditions (hot, humid, lots of rain) stalemate (very little territory gained or lost, victories were determined by body counts)

9. Protest Movement

10. 1.Credibility Gap - information the government provided did not match information from TV & soldiers - belief that Americans were being deceived about the war 2. Unfair Draft System - Minorities & poor were being drafted & dying in disproportionate numbers - rich could manipulate the draft system 3. Influence of the Civil Rights Movement - methods, tactics, & successes of Civil Rights Movement encouraged anti-war protests 4. Increasing Number of College Students - baby boom increased number of kids going to college - student deferments also encouraged enrollment in college

11. Youth Movement emerges called the “New Left” – wanted BIG change in American society Two popular New Left groups emerge: 1). Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) 2). Free Speech Movement (FSM). Summer of 1965 “teach-ins” spread across college campuses Protest a variety of things (war, draft, injustices in the U.S, ROTC programs, relations between government & big business, etc). Movement spreads beyond college students to general American public – by end of 1968 media, returning veterans, and about 40% of Americans disapproved of the war. Movement starts with peaceful protests, but gets increasingly violent as time passes