Opposition to Vietnam War

Question 1

List 3 reasons against Vietnam War:

Answer 1

issue of conscription
Independence from America
Horrors of War

Question 2

Issue of Conscription:

Answer 2

Australia’s anti-war movement strongly connected to protest against conscription/National Service
Conscription caused controversy during Vietnam War, as a lot of young men were dying. Australians began going against participation in war. John Zarb was the first ‘conscientious objectors’ to be prisoned in Aus. Leaflets were handed distributed as part of anti war movement. Another anti war campaign was called “SAve Our Sons”

Question 3

Independence from America

Answer 3

didn’t want to follow America but want to gain independence.
COncerned at our readiness to fall in line with American foreign policy.
Mid 1970s- discovered that Menzies gov persuaded the Americans to ask South Vietnam to make the request. Menzies wanted to present Aus as a loyal ally and to reinforce the US involvement in the region. This shows because of dependence to America, thousands of young men died.

Question 4

Horrors of war

Answer 4

First war to be aired on television
Public realise the horrors of war - Each night saw appalling violence as villages were destroyed and areas carpet bombed.
Anti war rapidly grown into huge allies and marches, eg. Moratorium movement.

Question 5

Moratorium Movement

Answer 5

occurred in 1970 as a way displaying their support to end of war.
First one held in America demanding US withdraw from Vietnam.
8 May 1970, first Australia-wide march on sending conscripts to Vietnam held

Question 6

What was the 2 demands of the Moratorium movement?

Answer 6

immediate withdrawal of Australian and allied troops from Indochina
Immediate abolition of conscription