1. The Antiwar Movement and
the End of the Vietnam War

2. But First Some Questions You should know the answers to Test yourself If you don’t know the answers REVIEW THEM

3. 1. What was the Domino Theory?
The belief that if Vietnam fell to communism, neighboring Asian countries would as well.

4. 2. Which Country did the U.S. Support?
South Vietnam

5. 3. Which Country was communist?
North Vietnam

6. 4. What Countries Supported North Vietnam?
Soviet Union
China

7. 5. Where did the Vietcong Operate?
South Vietnam

8. 6. What Tactics did the Vietcong Use?
Guerrilla Warfare: ambushes, traps, hit-and-run tactics.

9. 7. Who was Ho Chi Minh?
The communist leader of North Vietnam who formed the Vietcong to unify the nation.

10. 8. What happened in the Gulf of Tonkin?
The Johnson administration claimed that the North Vietnamese carried out an unprovoked attack on U.S. ships.

11. 9. What was the significance of the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
Congress authorized the president to take whatever actions necessary- which led to an escalation of troops and bombings.

12. And Now, The Beginning of the End

13. The Antiwar Movement and
the End of the Vietnam War

14. 1. Credibility Gap
The public did not trust what the U.S. government was saying about the war in Vietnam.

15. 1. Credibility Gap
General William Westmoreland promised “light at the end of the tunnel” and that the U.S. was “near victory.”

16. 1. Credibility Gap
However, T.V. showed images daily of dead and wounded soldiers- leading to doubt amongst the public.

17. “What shall I put down as the reason for dying?”
2. Opposition to The War
“What shall I put down as the reason for dying?”

18. 2. Reasons for Opposition to War
It was a civil war between the Vietnamese- none of our business.

19. 2. Reasons for Opposition to War
Ngo Dinh Diem’s government of South Vietnam was corrupt and not worth supporting.

20. 2. Reasons for Opposition to War

21. 2. Reasons for Opposition to War

22. 3. The Military Draft
Forced military service- also known as conscription.

23. 3. The Military Draft

24. 4. Reasons to Oppose the Draft
Majority of those who fought were of lower classes.

25. 4. Reasons to Oppose the Draft
Many of those in the lower classes were minorities.

26. 4. Reasons to Oppose the Draft
Many chose not to go- fleeing to Canada, claiming medical deferrals, or going to prison.

27. 4. Opposition to the Draft

28. 4. Opposition to the Draft

29. 4. Opposition the Draft

30. 5. Doves
Those who wanted U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam.

31. 6. Hawks
Those who wanted the U.S. to keep fighting in Vietnam.

32. 7. The Tet Offensive
Large scale offensive by VC and North Vietnam on January 30, 1968 (Vietnamese Lunar New Year).

33. 7. The Tet Offensive
North Vietnamese Fighters even launched attack on U.S. Embassy in capital of Saigon.

34. 7. The Tet Offensive
Militarily the attack did not succeed.

35. 7. The Tet Offensive
U.S. media coverage turned more negative = political victory for North Vietnam.

36. 8. 1968 Presidential Election
With two antiwar challengers, LBJ decides not to run for president in 1968.

37. 8. 1968 Presidential Election

38. 8. 1968 Presidential Election
Thousands protest the war at the Democratic National Convention

39. 8. 1968 Presidential Election
A “police riot” breaks out on the evening of the nominations

40. 8. 1968 Presidential Election
The violence outside does not help the Democrats’ chances of winning the White House

41. 8. 1968 Presidential Election
The violence outside does not help the Democrats’ chances of winning the White House

42. 8. 1968 Presidential Election
Democrats nominate Vice President Hubert Humphrey for President.

43. 8. 1968 Presidential Election
Nixon wins the presidency in promising law and order and an end to the war.

44. 9. The “Silent Majority”
Nixon believes majority of Americans support the war and media coverage is biased.

45. 9. The “Silent Majority”
Do polls support Nixon’s claim in November 1969?

46. 9. Nixon’s War
President Nixon pursues Vietnamization- withdrawal of U.S. troops (increased bombing).

47. 9.Nixon’s War

48. 9. Nixon’s War

49. Next: Read about the End of the War During Nixon’s Presidency