IWBAT analyze Vietnam era songs and protests

transcript

Difficulties as a Soldier

#1 DRAFT

#2 Jungle Terrain Unfamiliarity Tunnels built by Vietcong (opposing side) to

Avoid air raids Plan surprise attacks

Booby traps

Vietcong Tunnels

Jungle Terrain

“War of Attrition”

Guerilla Warfare Published death count North Vietnamese received supplies from

China and Soviets Underestimated enemy

Couldn’t win people over to US side Vietcong hid among civilians Difficulties: Napalm and Agent Orange

Gasoline based, toxic burning chemicals

= People are afraid and angry

No major headway Didn’t support the war in the first place Instability of S. Vietnamese government Rumors that United States government

wanted to negotiate a withdrawal

ESSENTIALLY THEY LOST THEIR CONVICTION TO FIGHT

The New Left-Hippies Radical political movement of the 1960’s and 70’s

Mostly comprised of college students

Social activistsBeliefs

Anti- Draft Pro- Civil Rights Opposed authority

(Anti- Establishment)

Why Oppose Vietnam War?

War was morally wrong South Vietnam was oppressive just like the

North This was their Civil War War was a drain on U.S. influence in more

important matters U.S. cannot police the globe Draft at age 18 – couldn’t vote until age 21

WOULD YOU DISAGREE?

Opposition Intensifies

1965 – 20,000 protestors in Washington DC

1967 – 500,000 protestors in NYC

Burning of Draft Cards

Students could defer if in good standing with university

Many refused to go and were imprisoned

“Burn cards not people!”

Kent State MassacreNational Guardsmen opened fire on student protestors in Ohio, killing four

A Nation Divided

DOVES HAWKS

The US does manage to extricate itself by Jan. 27, 1973

PHASE 3 – VIETNAMESE CIVIL WAR, 1973-75

the NVA easily defeated the South by 1975

Effects

3.3 million American troops served 58,000 American troops killed 303,000 wounded 2 million Vietnamese deaths Troops

Were not welcomed by public 15% had post-traumatic stress Many resorted to alcohol and drugs

Vietnam War Memorial

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