Vietnam War Protests - Key Points
Overview
- The Vietnam War is one of the most controversial military engagements in U.S. history.
- The war was unpopular due to unclear objectives and no formal declaration of war by the U.S.
- Media coverage with daily body counts shifted public opinion against the war.
Early Protests
- Initial protests were small and led by intellectuals on college campuses before 1965.
- Widespread protests began as the war escalated in 1965.
Major Protest Events
- October 1967: Over 100,000 people protested at the Lincoln Memorial.
- May 1970: Kent State shootings occurred; National Guardsmen killed four student protesters.
Impact of Draft Lottery
- December 1969: The first draft lottery since WWII was instituted, increasing protest activities.
- Many young men fled to Canada to avoid being drafted.
Political Impact
- Protests and public dissent forced the Nixon administration to reconsider its Vietnam policy.
- 1973: President Nixon announced the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
Cultural and Social Movements
- Young people joined radical groups like the Red Guards.
- These groups were involved in violent activities against political adversaries of Mao and the Communist Party.
This information highlights the reasons behind the Vietnam War protests, key events that fueled the protest movement, and the ultimate impact on U.S. foreign policy.