...The anti-Vietnam war movement in the late 1900’s played an incredibly important role in American history due to the powerful combination of young students with drive, radical leaders, and the way the movement aimed to involve the whole country. The Kent State Shooting was a major catalyst for the anti-Vietnam war efforts and could be considered a symbol for the movement because it exemplified the incredible ambition of the movement’s supporters but also the tension and violence which arose as a result of it. The Vietnam War was the most unpopular war in United States (US) history. This was due to many factors: its length, arguably unnecessary amount of death and destruction (in the US and Vietnam), and the establishment of aggressive media coverage for anti-war protests. It was essentially a proxy war between the United States and Soviet Union. Following a policy of containment designed to keep Communism from spreading, the United States provided military and financial support for the anti-Communists in South Vietnam. Opposing them was North Vietnam, which at the time was primarily controlled by the Vietcong, Communist-led guerrilla fighters. By 1963, the US had...
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...as the traffic was banked up in Circular Quay. The protester carried posters with anti-American slogans against the American policy in Vietnam written on it and photographs of Vietnamese civilian casualties while chanting slogans protesting the Vietnam war and handing out scores of leaflets. The demonstrators included members of the Communist Party, the Waterside Workers' Federation, the ALP youth body and the 'Save Our Sons' movement as well as university students. Next to police cars, 15 radio cars found their place in the demonstration to report about the movement to show their reports to the Australians on the television. The demonstration obviously was an anti-conscription movement, because the included organisation are popular for being...
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...From 1955 to 1975 it was said that approximately 200,000 of our men died in the Vietnam War. By the end of the 1960’s, the United States and the USSR had in their possession thousands of nuclear weapons, more than enough to wipe off all humankind on earth several times over. The music was the pivotal influence in keeping the optimism alive in the American people and the artists themselves and also contributing to the anti-war movement. The official American version of events and justification of going to war was that the Americans were fired upon while on patrol in the gulf of Tonkin on a PT boat in 1954. The war was historically poorly supported with for the first time in American history news coverage and daily video reportings from networks...
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...interests of the powerful who led the U.S. to war. Lembcke is a sociologist at Holy Cross College, a Vietnam veteran who was an active member of Vietnam Veterans against the War. His book demolishes the myth that the antiwar movement was anti-soldier and that vets were spat upon.In this book, he argues that the common claim of American soldiers were insulted and spat upon when they returned home from the Vietnam War is a myth and nothing more. It was intended to discredit the anti-war movement and the protesters that were behind it. Lembcke stated that the Nixon administration was behind the propaganda and was using it to discredit the anti-war movement protesters. He theorizes that the reported "spitting on soldiers" scenario was a mythical projection by those who felt "spat upon" and was meant to discredit future anti-war activism. He suggests that the images of pro-war antipathy against anti-war protesters helped contribute to the myth. Lembcke argues that memories of being verbally and physically assaulted by anti-war protesters were largely conjured, arguing that not even one case could be documented. However, some news accounts that mention spitting do exist, although there has been no evidence to support those accounts.( Discover The Networks) It is hard to disprove a myth and hard to prove that something never happened. Lembcke acknowledges that he cannot prove the negative—that no Vietnam veteran was spat on—saying (Lembcke p. 68)...
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...The largest anti-war protest in America’s history against the Vietnam war shows just how powerful people’s voices can be. The anti-war movement that occurred during the Vietnam War rose up out of the shadows that they were previously covered by in 1964-65, mainly because of Operation Rolling Thunder, otherwise known as the bombing campaign of North Vietnam. When news of this broke out in the States,anti-war protests and riots began popping up all over the nation. The most well-known protest took place on October 21, 1967 in front of the Lincoln Memorial and involved at least 100,000 demonstrators. Once the veterans had returned home from the war, they were treated as if they were lower than dirt by anti-war leaders. The Washington protest, followed by many more lesser known demonstrations, has wedged its way into U.S history and has left a large effect on the remaining time that the Vietnam war lasted (USHistory.org)....
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...The Vietnam War was the longest lasting military conflict in American History. What was originally fear of communist expansion became one of America’s most expensive and strenuous efforts, consuming over fifty eight thousand American lives. As casualties increased throughout the 1960’s, so did the domestic opposition to the war. In turn, large-scale protests and a lack of trust between government and its people rose. Today many of the war’s details remain unclear; however, Hollywood has had its hand at depicting what occurred. This paper provides an analysis of the Vietnam War, as well as its depiction in the 21st century film industry. “The Deer Hunter,” “Born on the 4th of July” and “Casualties of War” are three different interpretations of the war in both foreign and domestic settings. Each film offers a different point of view, varying from social, political, and military perspectives. Following the Second World War, the French set forth an effort to regain their former colonial possession of Indo-China, which had been occupied by the Japanese throughout the war. After nearly a decade, the French were unable to establish a presence in what they called their “inheritance”, and as a result withdrew under the Geneva Accord in 1954. Meanwhile conflict within the regions of Vietnam created instability. A communist regime called the Peoples Army of Vietnam (PAVN), headed by Ho Chi Minh obtained power of the North. In contrast Ngo Dinh Diem established an interim government that...
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...Canadian Involvement in the Vietnam War; Playing Both Sides. Although Canada “officially non-belligerent” in the war against Vietnam they were active and played a huge role for and against the war. It is a common belief that Canada’s position during the Vietnam War was strictly neutral but the government was more involved than many Canadians realize. The Canadian government aided the U.S by sending Medical equipment, providing technical assistance as well as diplomatic aid. In 1981, it was discovered that Canada had been secretly involved in testing U.S chemical warfare agents for Vietnam. The Canadian government also welcomed about 30,000 American war resisters and draft-dodgers who did not support the war across the Canadian borders; at the same time about 30,000 Canadians crossed the border to volunteer to help the U.S soldiers fight in Vietnam. Scholars like Jessica Squires spoke on The Canadian Anti-Draft Movement, which “was a network of groups in Canadian cities that actively supported the immigration of War resisters”. This Network was active from 1966-1973 and its activities were seen as a sort of resistance to the American War on Vietnam. At this time in the early 1970s there had been protests and demonstrations in Canada and various parts of the world, which denounced the war on Vietnam and the actions if the U.S Government and this Anti-Draft Movement was one of the ways Canadians were able to influence or oppose the Vietnam War. In 1966, Hans Sinn...
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...The Vietnam War was the longest lasting military conflict in American History. What was originally fear of communist expansion became one of America’s most expensive and strenuous efforts, consuming over fifty eight thousand American lives. As casualties increased throughout the 1960’s, so did the domestic opposition to the war. In turn, large-scale protests and a lack of trust between government and its people rose. Today many of the war’s details remain unclear; however, Hollywood has had its hand at depicting what occurred. This paper provides an analysis of the Vietnam War, as well as its depiction in the 21st century film industry. “The Deer Hunter,” “Born on the 4th of July” and “Casualties of War” are three different interpretations of the war in both foreign and domestic settings. Each film offers a different point of view, varying from social, political, and military perspectives. Following the Second World War, the French set forth an effort to regain their former colonial possession of Indo-China, which had been occupied by the Japanese throughout the war. After nearly a decade, the French were unable to establish a presence in what they called their “inheritance”, and as a result withdrew under the Geneva Accord in 1954. Meanwhile conflict within the regions of Vietnam created instability. A communist regime called the Peoples Army of Vietnam (PAVN), headed by Ho Chi Minh obtained power of the North. In contrast Ngo Dinh Diem established an interim government that...
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...“Involvement in two world wars and the Cold War transformed America into a “crusader state” convinced of the superiority of its institutions and way of life and intent on imposing them on the outside world. ” Whether fought at home or abroad every war is to impact all parties involved. Such example of staggering influence on one country’s culture is no more evident then in America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Upon entering the war the USA’s government was convinced and assured the public of its confidence in very quick and consequences free resolution to their problem on the other side of the world. However, what it failed to predict which later was to prove crucial was the blowback that the war would have on the nation itself. The extent to which a superpower can be influenced by a smaller struggling and weapon lacking society has never been more evident and recorded than in America-Vietnamese case. The American culture has been shaken to its core. The following piece however aims to analyze and simplify those reasons due to which scars amongst society are being healed even now so many years since the war ended. Twenty five years have passed since the United States officially relinquished their involvement in Vietnam. Not since the Civil war had the country been so divided. Every American family was impacted, losing husbands, sons and daughters. Over fifty thousand Americans were killed and many more of those who returned suffered and still suffer deep physical and emotional...
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...United States continued to support South Vietnam even though they were under the repressive dictatorship of Ngo Dinh Diem. His family was appointed as government members by him and they were just as corrupt as he was. Ngo Dinh Diem was catholic and mistreated Buddhists and other religious sects. Also, he failed to introduce a workable land reform programme and used millions of dollars of economic aid from the United States to make himself and his family richer. Along with this he failed to hold the proposed 1956 elections. Diem was overthrown in 1963 in a military coup. Unfortunately, the men who took over were equally corrupt and were still unpopular with the people. The United States continual support of South Vietnam was clearly a desperate attempt to contain communism. There was a heavy struggle in Vietnam between the South Vietnamese army and the communist-trained rebels. This was caused by Diem’s actions which enraged the people of South Vietnam causing opposition to increase. Viet Minh members had established a base in the South and conducted low-level guerrilla activities against the...
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...their disapproval to America’s involvement during the Vietnam War. A highly influential folk musician was Bob Dylan. He wrote the song “The Times They Are A-Changin.” In this song, he says “there’s a battle outside, and it’s ragin’, it’ll soon shake your windows, rattle your walls.” One can argue that these lyrics were an obvious reference to the Vietnam War. “Edwin Starr’s Motown anthem “War” convinced many listeners of the complex horrors of the Vietnam War through an instantly-recognizable melody. The song, written in 1969, is perhaps the most direct anti-war protest song ever recorded” (Hopkins, 2012). Hopkins and many other musicians from the era made music to attract audiences against...
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...this was the beginning of the early stages of the Cold War. Succeeding Eisenhower, President John F. Kennedy also had to uphold a high level of responsibility especially regarding Vietnam where communist China and Russia sought control. In the 19th century, France annexed Indo-China. However, during World War II, France was overrun and became occupied by the Japanese. Indochinese nationalists opposed to both Japan and France, and joined forces to create an independent movement called Vietminh. This movement was controlled by communists despite the objections of the nationalists. The movement was led by Moscow who trained Ho Chi Minh. After World War II, France promised independence to Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, three states under the Indochina regime; with the Vietminh movement proven to be independent without France’s offers, tension arose among communist China and democratic United States. This dispute led to the Geneva Conference: Truce for Indochina. The agreement stated that Laos and Cambodia will be independent and will observe neutrality in the cold war while Vietnam will be divided at the17th parallel – with the North under a Communist government in Hanoi, and the South under a French sponsored anti-communist government in Saigon. Then in mid-1956, the people of both the North and South will vote for a single all-Vietnam government. This agreement however, was not signed by the United States or South Vietnam. President Eisenhower still determined to...
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...this was the beginning of the early stages of the Cold War. Succeeding Eisenhower, President John F. Kennedy also had to uphold a high level of responsibility especially regarding Vietnam where communist China and Russia sought control. In the 19th century, France annexed Indo-China. However, during World War II, France was overrun and became occupied by the Japanese. Indochinese nationalists opposed to both Japan and France, and joined forces to create an independent movement called Vietminh. This movement was controlled by communists despite the objections of the nationalists. The movement was led by Moscow who trained Ho Chi Minh. After World War II, France promised independence to Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, three states under the Indochina regime; with the Vietminh movement proven to be independent without France’s offers, tension arose among communist China and democratic United States. This dispute led to the Geneva Conference: Truce for Indochina. The agreement stated that Laos and Cambodia will be independent and will observe neutrality in the cold war while Vietnam will be divided at the17th parallel – with the North under a Communist government in Hanoi, and the South under a French sponsored anti-communist government in Saigon. Then in mid-1956, the people of both the North and South will vote for a single all-Vietnam government. This agreement however, was not signed by the United States or South Vietnam. President Eisenhower still determined to...
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...United States history, from the civil rights movement to the new wave of feminism, the 60’s were one of the most influential and memorable era because of this. One of the most famous of these social movements was the anti-war movement brought by the unpopular Vietnam War. One of the most notorious groups were the Chicago Seven called that because of the seven activists sentenced to jail for protesting. The Chicago Seven took a stand against the Vietnam War and the government by inciting protests and spreading ideals of nonviolence, and these actions resulted in increased exposure of the unpopular Vietnam War and the rise of hippie movement and also the division of opinion in American society. During the middle of the 1960’s the United States of were experiencing social changes due to the Civil Rights movement. Many people who participated in the civil rights movement, also participated in the anti war movement. Many older activists also began advocating for the antiwar movement helped younger leaders plan large protests. (“The Antiwar Movement” 2) Other types of people who participated were Catholics, hippies, and soldiers from the Vietnam War. This diversity of activists had an impact on American policymaking. (“The Antiwar Movement” 2) The group that one of the most...
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...April 17th, 2013 Music of the 1960s Thesis: The music of the 1960s had a significant effect on the public opinions of the time on topics such as the Vietnam War and the subsequent draft, the civil rights movement, and the Cold War. I. Introduction a. Thesis Statement II. The Vietnam War and the draft a. Prominent Artists 1. Simon & Garfunkel 2. The Rolling Stones 3. Creedence Clearwater Revival b. Public Opinion 1. Anti-War 2. Anti-Draft 3. Protests III. The Civil Rights Movement a. Gospel 1. Martin Luther King Jr. 2. Church Gatherings 3. Protests b. African American Music 1. Jazz 2. Freedom Singers 3. Folk, Rock 'n' Roll, Blues, Soul c. Prominent Songs/Hymns 1. “We Shall Overcome” 2. “Oh Freedom” 3. “Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Us Around” IV. The Cold War a. Themes 1. Potential Nuclear Attack 2. American/Soviet Nationalism 3. Symbolism b. Prominent Artists 1. Bob Dylan 2. Simon & Garfunkel 3. Joan Baez c. Influence V. Conclusion a. Thesis Statement The 1960s was, historically, a significant decade in America. The country underwent many changes both politically and culturally. From the presidential assassinations, to the social revolutions by the younger generations, to the war raging across half way around the world, the 1960s were a time of both societal advancement and regression for the American people. The culture of America went through many changes...
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