ch8 quotes - different perspectives Flashcards
Historian Paul Ham
“the great majority went to Vietnam enthusiastically”
STATISTICS - Gallup polls
The Gallup polls showed a majority of supportive attitudes to conscription however there was a slow decline in enthusiasm as the years went on as in June 1961. 73% of pollers favoured conscription whilst in October 1970 58% of pollers continued conscription. However, conversely the Gallup polls highlighted the lack of enthusiasm on sending conscripts to Vietnam 1965-67 hence in December 1952 52% of pollers wanted to keep conscripts in AUS
SAME HISTORIAN VIEWS: Historian Christina Twomey THEN historian Mark Dapin
“many young men complied with its provisions” AND he said that many “considered obedience to the law to be an obligation rather than an option.”
Gallup poll Statistics 2
There were Gallup polls on the question ‘Fight on in Vietnam – or bring forces back now?’ from 1965-1970 and in September 1965 when it began the majority of pollers, 56%, believed that Australian should continue to fight in Vietnam whilst towards the end on the 31st of October 1970 the majority of voters, 45%, believed that it was necessary to bring back the troops from Vietnam to AUS
UNIQUE HISTORIAN VIEW AGAINST SOS: Historian Mark Dapin considers their intentions to be well-meaning but believes that:
“the women of the Save Our Sons Movement, who tirelessly picketed the Army inductions of thousands of young men, perhaps did not realise that many had not asked to be saved”
slogan of the Moratoriums
“stop work to stop the war”
In December 1972, the newly elected Labor Party Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, announced that:
“there would be no further call up.”
Historian Peter Edwards on stories from the Vietnam War:
”may have been exaggerated or imported from the American experience”
Historian Peter Edwards on the negative view on Vietnam War
“the idea that Vietnam was an especially evil war”
Historian Mark Dapin challenges:
“partially folkloric saga of victimhood and rejection which has grown up since the war”
Prime Minister Harold Holt
“Voluntary enlistment did not provide suitable men to the extent needed. We and our advisers concluded there was no realistic alternative to National Service.”
Labor opposition to conscription (Arthur Calwell)
“their lives at stake are to be selected by some form of lottery, or Russian Roulette.”
Perspective of a national serviceman, Geoffrey Morgan
“I thought Australia should be involved.”
Perspective of a national serviceman, Geoffrey Morgan
“ I saw it as an escape from a job I didn’t particularly like. I saw it as a way to see a bit more of Australia or maybe further afield.”
experience of conscientious objectors like Micheal Leunig
“should go and fight for my country.”
The Age 1966 - reporting on President Johnson’s tour to AUS and the diverse reactions
“a triumphal procession…“fist fights broke out”
Prime Minister Menzies cited President Johnson’s letter welcoming Australia’s commitment.
“action simply underscores the full cooperation and understanding that has existed between our two Governments”
Opposition Leader Arthur Calwell responded to Prime Minister Menzies’ announcement:
“We do not think it is a wise decision … We do not think it is a right decision … We do not believe it will promote the welfare of the people of Vietnam.”
Opposition Leader Arthur Calwell responded to Prime Minister Menzies’ announcement:
“The Government may be able to square its conscience on this matter, but this is logically and morally impossible.”
Robert Menzies, Commonwealth Parliamentary Debates 1965 in response to Arther Calwell’s response:
“It is in the continuing interest of this country – to put it on no higher ground than that – to be regarded and to remain as a valued ally of the United States, which is, in this part of the world, our own most powerful ally.”
The Age 1965
“There was no alternative but to respond as we have.”
The Age 1965
“inescapable obligations which fall on us because of our geographical position, our treaty commitments and friendships.”
The Courier Mail in Brisbane 1965
“Our government has made the decision in our name and that is our duty. The nation now has to support that.”
The Australian opposed the government’s decision to increase Australia’s commitment to Vietnam:
“The Menzies Government has made a reckless decision on Vietnam … It has decided to send Australian soldiers into a savage revolutionary war … so that America may shelve a tiny part of her embarrassment … It could be that historians will recall this day with tears.”
