Kent state uni & media coverage of Vietnam Flashcards
1
Q
How did media coverage increase opposition to the Vietnam War in the USA?
A
- For the first time, television brought the horrors of war directly into American homes.
- Images of burned villages, napalm victims, and wounded soldiers were broadcast nightly.
- Reporters exposed the realities of the war, such as civilian deaths and the My Lai Massacre, contradicting the government’s optimistic reports.
- This undermined public trust in politicians and made many Americans feel the war was immoral and unjust.
2
Q
Why did the number of dead and injured US soldiers cause public outrage?
A
- By the end of the war, over 58,000 US soldiers had died, and over 150,000 were wounded.
- Many of these were young men, with the average age of a US combat soldier being just 19–23 years old.
- The rate of amputations was 300% higher than in WWII, shocking the public.
- Seeing young, often working-class men return crippled or in body bags led people to question what the war had achieved.
3
Q
Why was the draft system a major cause of anti-war protest?
A
- The ‘draft’ forced young men aged 18–26 to join the army. Nearly 2 million were drafted from 1964–72.
- Many felt it was unfair, as wealthier or white students often found ways to avoid the draft, leaving working-class and Black Americans to fight.
- Draft card burnings and protests became powerful symbols of resistance.
- People began to ask: “Why are we sacrificing our youth for a war we can’t win?”
4
Q
How did the Civil Rights Movement contribute to anti-war sentiment?
A
- Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. opposed the war, linking it to racial injustice.
- He highlighted that African Americans were overrepresented in front-line combat roles.
- MLK said it was wrong to fight for freedom in Vietnam while ignoring inequality and poverty at home.
- His stance helped merge the civil rights and anti-war movements, increasing pressure on the government.
5
Q
Why did some Americans oppose supporting the South Vietnamese government?
A
- The South Vietnamese regime was seen as corrupt, authoritarian, and undemocratic.
- Americans questioned why they were sacrificing lives and money to defend a government that didn’t reflect their own values.
- Stories of South Vietnam’s brutality towards its own people further reduced support for the war.
6
Q
How did US politicians and economic concerns fuel opposition to the war?
A
- Critics argued that the $20–30 billion per year spent on war could be better used on domestic issues like education, healthcare, and housing.
- The war diverted funds from Johnson’s ‘Great Society’ reforms, increasing poverty and inequality.
- As a result, even Congress members and senators began to speak out against the conflict.
7
Q
Why did military failures, like the Tet Offensive, weaken public support?
A
- The Tet Offensive (1968) saw Vietcong forces launch surprise attacks across South Vietnam.
- Although the US eventually repelled them, it showed the Vietcong were far from defeated.
- The attack on the US Embassy in Saigon shocked Americans and made them realise the government’s claim of “winning the war” was misleading.
- This turning point destroyed public confidence in military and political leadership.
8
Q
Why did many young people in the USA protest against the Vietnam War?
A
- Many young Americans were the ones being drafted to fight — often working-class and ethnic minorities.
- The average age of a soldier was just 19, and many were sent to fight and die in a war they didn’t believe in.
- Students saw the war as immoral and unnecessary, especially as the South Vietnamese government was corrupt.
9
Q
Why was youth protest such an important part of the anti-Vietnam War movement in the USA?
A
- Student activism was strong at colleges and universities, where the war was seen as a symbol of government control and oppression — something many young people rejected.
- Many students were influenced by hippie culture, which promoted peace, love, and anti-violence, clashing with the violence of war.
- In 1968–69, there were hundreds of student-led anti-war demonstrations, sometimes turning violent when clashing with police.
- On 15 November 1969, the largest anti-war protest in US history happened in Washington D.C., with 500,000 people attending. Protesters sang John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” and shouted messages like “Are you listening, Nixon?”
10
Q
Describe the events of the Kent State University protest on 4 May 1970.
A
- Triggered by Nixon’s announcement of US invasion of Cambodia (30 April 1970).
- Demonstrations escalated; windows smashed, bottles thrown at police.
- Ohio National Guard sent to control protests; over 3000 people gathered on 4 May.
- At 12:24 PM, Guardsmen opened fire, shooting 61–67 bullets.
- Four students were killed, nine injured – including bystanders like 14-year-old Mary Ann Vecchio.
11
Q
What was the impact of the Kent State University shootings in 1970?
A
- Shocked the nation – seen live and reported across the media.
- 2 million students refused to attend classes; hundreds of colleges shut.
- Triggered further anger: a similar incident happened at Jackson State College 11 days later – 2 students killed, 12 injured.
- Government report condemned the National Guard: actions were “unnecessary, unwarranted, inexcusable.”
- No convictions followed – adding to public distrust of authority.
12
Q
Why was there limited media coverage before 1960?
A
- Only around 900 US military personnel in Vietnam by 1960
- Conflict seen as minor and not a priority for media
-Few reporters on the ground, so stories were rare and brief - Public largely unaware of developments
13
Q
What changed media involvement after 1960?
A
- In 1960, violent suppression of revolt in South Vietnam caught media attention
- Major newspapers (e.g., New York Times) sent in reporters
- From 1960–1965, journalists increased to over 400
- Coverage rose with troop numbers and public interest
14
Q
How did TV influence public opinion?
A
- By 1961, 93% of US homes had a TV
- First war broadcast in colour, directly into homes
- Reporters had free access to war zones (unlike previous wars)
- Graphic images of death, civilian suffering, and destruction
- Created a gap between government reports and real events, fuelling anti-war sentiment
15
Q
How did the tone of reporting change over time?
A
- Early reports: positive, pro-US, showing bravery and tech
- Later years: more critical and focused on atrocities, high casualties, poor strategy
- Shift caused a loss of confidence in political and military leadership
16
Q
What were the ‘five o’clock follies’?
A
- Daily military press briefings for journalists in Saigon
- Named sarcastically – reporters thought updates were inaccurate or misleading
- Journalists began to mock officials, doubting credibility
- Symbolised the growing distrust between media, government, and public
17
Q
How did the Tet Offensive impact US troop morale?
A
- US morale suffered as the offensive revealed the Vietcong’s power and capabilities
- Soldiers were demoralised by the surprise nature and scale of the attacks
- The attack made US forces realise they were not close to victory
18
Q
How did the Tet Offensive affect public opinion in the USA?
A
- The attack contradicted the US government’s reports that the war was going well
- TV news broadcasted shocking images of violence, destruction, and death
- Many Americans began to doubt the truth of official statements from the government
- People questioned whether the USA should still be involved in the war at all
19
Q
What role did the media play after the Tet Offensive?
A
- TV crews and news channels gave graphic coverage of the destruction and fighting
- Reports from Vietnam became more critical and highlighted the brutality of the war
- Americans began to realise that what they saw on TV didn’t match the optimistic reports from the government
20
Q
How did the Tet Offensive change trust in the government?
A
- The offensive damaged public trust in the US government’s war reports
- Many Americans became skeptical of the government’s claims of progress
- The contrast between official reports and the media coverage led to growing anti-war sentiment
21
Q
who was Walter Conkrite & his impact ?
A
Walter Cronkite:
- Most trusted newsreader in the U.S. for 19 years on CBS.
February 27, 1968:
- Cronkite stated the war was heading towards a stalemate and suggested negotiation was the only way out.
Impact:
- His statement caused many to question the U.S. government’s reports about the war.
President Johnson’s Reaction:
- “If I’ve lost Cronkite, I’ve lost the country.”
- Johnson recognized Cronkite’s influence on public opinion.
22
Q
How did Walter Cronkite’s 1968 broadcast affect President Johnson and public opinion on the Vietnam War?
A
- Walter Cronkite’s broadcast in February 1968, which suggested the war would end in a stalemate, led President Johnson to remark, “If I’ve lost Cronkite, I’ve lost the country,” reflecting Cronkite’s influence on public opinion.
23
Q
What changes occurred in media coverage of the Vietnam War after the Tet Offensive?
A
- After the Tet Offensive, media coverage became more negative, focusing on US defeats, casualties, poor morale, and the suffering of both US soldiers and South Vietnamese civilians.
24
Q
How did the media expose the My Lai Massacre, and what was its impact on the US public?
A
- The media exposed the My Lai Massacre, where US troops killed up to 500 South Vietnamese civilians. The initial army cover-up was uncovered, increasing public distrust in the government and military.
25
What was the impact of Life magazine publishing the names and faces of US soldiers killed in Vietnam in June 1969?
- Life magazine’s publication of 242 soldiers' names and faces brought the reality of the war home for many Americans, making the war feel more personal and real, which heightened public outrage and anti-war sentiment.
26
What was the Watergate scandal and how did it impact President Nixon?
- The Watergate scandal involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972, where burglars were caught attempting to bug phones and steal documents. Nixon's involvement in the cover-up led to his resignation in 1974.
27
Was President Nixon directly involved in the Watergate break-in?
- It is unclear if Nixon knew about the break-in beforehand, but he was involved in covering it up afterwards. His role in the cover-up eventually led to his resignation in 1974.
28
How did the Watergate scandal affect US politics and public trust?
The scandal led to a major loss of public trust in the presidency, causing many Americans to question their leaders and be more critical of government actions, especially in relation to cover-ups like those during the Vietnam War.
29
When did President Nixon resign, and who succeeded him?
- Nixon resigned in August 1974 due to his involvement in the Watergate scandal and was succeeded by Gerald Ford.
30
What was the public reaction to Nixon’s resignation?
- Nixon's resignation shocked the USA and further eroded public confidence in political leadership.
- It came at a time when Americans were already disillusioned with the government over the Vietnam War.
