1. The Vietnam Years at Home
Chapter 30, Lesson #3

2. Young People Protest War seemed to spilt country apart
Anger grew as war grew
For the war: “Killers”
Against the war: “Traitors”
Many wondered why US was in the war
Led to counterculture: Movement that went against traditional American beliefs
Ideas about personal success
Clothes, music, beliefs

3. Students Protest the Draft
All men are required to register for draft at 18
Many thought draft unfair:
Not all wanted to fight in the war
Some men (full time students) got deferments: temporary excuse from draft.
Full time students - usually upper or middle class
Lower or working class - could not afford college
Unfair that the poor were drafted more than wealthy
Some men became Conscientious Objectors (those who would not fight for moral or religious purposes)
Some burned draft cards or fled from the US

4. Tet Offensive Tet – Vietnamese New Year January 31, 1968:
North Vietnamese and VC launch major attacks
Tet – Vietnamese New Year
Attacked US embassy in Saigon, Hue City, Khe Sanh
NVA and VC suffered heavy losses – US victory
Many Americans angry at gov’t who said war was almost over
Fewer people trusted Johnson administration

5. Johnson Faces Political Opposition
Many politicians wanted to run against Johnson in next election
Including Robert F. Kennedy (JFK’s brother)
Johnson was concerned by anti-war movement
Vowed to decrease bombing campaigns and not add more troops
Also declared he would not run for president again in 1968

6. The Democratic Convention
During election of 1968:
Hubert Humphrey – democratic nominee for president
Many anti-war democrats felt left out
Humphrey was considered to be like Johnson
Protestors clashed with police and democratic rally
Violence from protest hurt candidacy

7. The Presidential Election of 1968
Many Americans wanted a return to law and order
Looked for a candidate who would do that
Richard Nixon – the Republican nominee
Stood for law and order
Represented conservatives who did not protest violently
Wanted to end the war
* Nixon won the election