Reactions to the Vietnam War

Question 1

What are some examples/events Civil Rights Protestors against the Vietnam War?

Answer 1

• Muhammed Ali member of the Nation of Islam went to jail instead of fighting in Vietnam.
• Martin Luther spoke against it during protest with speeches.
• Black Soldiers were twice more likely to die in Vietnam as they were sent on more duty’s, racism.

Question 2

What are some examples/events Students against the Vietnam War?

Answer 2

• In 1950 there were 2.2 million students. This changed to 8.5 million in 1970.
• The Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) set up in 1960 had 3,000 members and groups over 80 US campuses.

Question 3

What are some examples/events Draft Dodgers against the Vietnam War?

Answer 3

• People who didn’t believe in Wars.

- Conscientous Objectors.

Question 4

What are some examples/events Vietnam Veterans against the Vietnam War?

Answer 4

• In 1967, Veterans formed ‘Vietnam Veterans against the War’ group.
• John Kerry was a leading figure.
• Winter Soldier Investigation
• Fulbright hearings

Question 5

What are some examples/events Religious Groups to the Vietnam War?

Answer 5

• 2 November 1965, Norman Morrison, a Quaker burned himself to death outside the Pentagon, copying Buddhist monks in Vietnam.
• Roger Allan La Porte, a Catholic, burned himself to death outside the UN building in New York.

Question 6

What was ‘The Living Room War’?

Answer 6

The news showed footage from the war in often unconfortable detail. They also said the truth about the war, not the government narrative creating a war in media. For example in 1968 Walter Cronkite told the truth on the Tet Offensive showing the war was unwinable and not a success. Furthermore they reported anti-war protests, such as a 100,000 protest to Washington on the 21 October 1967.

Question 7

Why did Politicians oppose the Vietnam War?

Answer 7

1. Popular Political Move- Nixon won the election in 1968 by promising to end the Vietnam War (‘peace with honour’) so anti-war is a clear vote winner
2. The Cost was 167 billion dollars
3. Some politicians were pacifists
4. Saw the war as unwinable because the NV will always be there when US leave, only fighting a limited war to stop a war with China/USSR meant they would never fully destroy NV and VC guerilla tatics.
5. International relation would better as to stop the chance of war between the USSR/China and stop critism from other nations.

Question 8

Why were Civil Rights Protestors against the Vietnam War?

Answer 8

Johnson promised black people a ‘Great Society’ and better Ghetto conditions. But this was not happening as the Vietnam War was costing $20 billion a year.
The N of I thought why should they fight for a country that doesn’t give them equal rights.
MLK said ‘It costs half a million dollars to kill a VC soldier; but we are only spending $53 on every poor american black home.

Question 9

Why were Students against the Vietnam War?

Answer 9

Students became part of ‘counter-culture’ movement where they rejected old-generations belifs on war.
They held sit-ins, boycotts and marches. They burnt draft tickets and tricked on class. This gained media attention dut to violent demonstration but mainly because they were white and middle class.
The SDS angered people as they opposed the war but also supported the NV (communists).

Question 10

Why were Draft Dodgers against the Vietnam War?

Answer 10

Contienous Objectors did not believe in any violence and killing.
Many people didn’t believe in the War of killing the VC people fighting for their freedom, reason was not justified.

Question 11

Why were Vietnam Veterans against the Vietnam War?

Answer 11

Veterans led a march to Washington with 500,000 people in April 1971 where 700 medals were thrown away.
John Kerry led the ‘Winter Soldier Investigation’ in 1971 which veterans gave true, horryfying accounts of their experiences.
Kerry used these accounts in the fulbright hearings, to show soldiers were misled to kill people fighting for their freedom not killing communists.

Question 12

What was The My Lai Massacre, 1968?

Answer 12

It was a search and destroy mission to My Lai village, which they were told there was VC but there was only women, children and old men.
Despite this over four hours the troops led by leuitenant Calley, killed all the people and animals leaving 500+ dead. Even stopped for lunch.

Question 13

How did the US military try to cover up the My Lai Massacre?

Answer 13

1. Immediatley the military announced a succesful mission saying they destroyed the My Lai VC base and 128 VC killed. But some soldier and other chief reported the massacre.
2. The army organised a cover-up of a quick investigation of 20 accidental civilian deaths.
3. A new equiry began on 15 July 1970 with photos tacken by Sergant Ron Haeberle and eye witness acounts from soldiers, led the CID to find 347 civilians were killed and that 35 members of Charlie Company should be charged.

Question 14

What was ‘Calley’s Trial’, 1970-71?

Answer 14

Only Luitenant Calley was brought to military trial and on 29 March 1971 he was convicted of killing 22 civilians and sentenced to life imprisonment. Some saw it as unfair as he was a cover up for higher officals as he was ‘acting on orders’.
And on 5 December the photos of Seargant Ron Haeberle photos were shown on CBS News.

Question 15

How did the My Lai Massacre lead to more US opposition?

Answer 15

1. People wonder whether it is worth it as vietnam id being destroyed in order to save it from communism.
2. The action of the US soldier makes the public question who is the agressor in Vietnam and if the US morally be there.
3. Further breaks the trust between the US government and the US public about Vietnam due to the cover up.
4. Shows the public how damaged emotionally and mentally their soldiers had become, people wanted to stops this.

Question 16

What were the events of The Kent State shootings in 1970?

Answer 16

1. May 1 1970 - After Nixon annouced the invasion of Cambodia, almost 500 people took part in a peaceful protest.
2. May 2 1970 - Officer Traing Corps building was burned down with now over 1000 demonstrators. The mayor declared an emergancy and 900 National Guard’s arrived.
3. May 3 1970 - There were several demonstrations, brocken up with tear gas by the National Guards.
4. May 4 1970 - Officals banned demonstration planned for 12 am but 2,000 ignored this. Tear Gas could not break it up as the student threw it back aswell as bricks at the National Guard’s. There was rumours of a sniper. Then the Nagional Guard shot into the crowd, killing 4 students.

Question 17

Why do people support the War?

Answer 17

1. Fear of Communism
2. Patriotism
3. Ignorance
4. Morally right to fight in Vietnam

Question 18

How did Congress show opposition to the War?

Answer 18

• On 24 June 1970, Congress repealed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, no longer take any necessary action.
• In June, congress set a limit on the funding for US troops in Cambodia and 30 June as the cut off point for any involvement in Cambodia.
• Set the date for the final withdrawals of troops at the end of 1971.

Question 19

Why was there World Wide opposition to the War?

Answer 19

• Saw America supporting a corrupt reigime and fighting a war with a very high civilian death toll, losing reputation for freedom and goodness.
• USSR and China could easily critise the US and show them (communism) in a good light.
• Events like the My Lai Massacre caused world wide protests.

Question 20

Why did people support the War because of the Fear of Communsim?

Answer 20

• Red Scare, was a fear of Americans the US communist would start a Revoloution.
• Domino Theory, that if Vietnam became communist all south east asia would.
• Avoid at all costs expanding influence to stop the US way of life, econmic freedom and religious freedom (especially in the south).

Question 21

Why did people support the War because of Patrioism?

Answer 21

People believe in the superioty of the USway of life in Capatalism and Democracy. Taught in school to love there country and obey authority, so if drafted should fight. Giving in to communism would mean US are weak and less powerful in the world.
The ‘Hard Hats’ are an example of a group of patriots who fourght for the war.

Question 22

Why did people support the War because of Ignorance and Morality?

Answer 22

Morally it is right to preserve the freedom of South Vietnam and Stop commusim from spreading (containment).

Question 23

What were the Event of the ‘Hard Hat’ Riot, 1970?

Answer 23

1. The ‘Hard Hats’ were construction workerswho were pro-war in Vietnam.
2. At a New York protest on 8 May 1970, construction workers broke through the police lines and beat up protestors, police did little to stop this.
3. The rioters moved to the city hall where the Mayor had agreed to fly the flag at half-mast for the respect of the Kent State Shootings, and protested.
4. On 20 May, the riot leader Peter J.Brennan, led a pro-war rally outside the City Hall, New York.
5. ‘Hard Hat’ riot was driven unpatriotic and pro-communist protests.

Question 24

What was the ‘Silent Majority’?

Answer 24

On 3 November 1969, Nixon made a televised speech about policy in Vietnam. He appealed for the support of the group called ‘the great silent majority’. These were Americans who mainly supported his policies, but did not actively campaign either for or against war.

Question 25

What was the Impact of Nixon’s Speech? (Very Succesful)

Answer 25

• A poll carried out over the next few days showed 77% people supported Nixon’s Policies.
• Over 50,000 telegrams and 30,000 letters of support were sent to the White House.
• Later polls showed many people felt they were apart of the Silent Majority.
• The level of public approval for the speech meant that the Senate (Congress) passed resolutions approving of Nixon’s conduct of the war, meaning the US were able to hold out for a gradual peace wothdrawal ‘honourable peace’.

Question 26

Political support for the War?

Answer 26

Politicians became pro-war (hawks) when in power as ultimately no politiciom wanted to be in the situation where the US lost the war and were defeated. However when politicians would be taken out of power the would become anti-war (doves) as it put them in a politically useful position as they could critise and make the current government look bad to gain more votes.

Question 27

Support in Congress for the War?

Answer 27

• In 1964, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was passed, allowing presidents all necessary measures allowed eventhough it was a supposed attack on US ships.
• Over time Congress became less favourable but kept funding it as the military said victory was close and not to lose to the NV.
• Congress were becoming anti-war until the anti-war demonstrations became violent so after 1970 congress introduced restrictions but still funded the war.

Question 28

What was the Paris Peace Accords?

Answer 28

Signed by the US, NV, SV and PRG (other SV Government). They agreed:

• A ceasefire to begin between everyone.
• All countries to accept Vietnam as a single country with a new government to be elected and no International Supervision.
• The armies of both South Vietnam governments to remain with no US aid.
• US troops, equipment and advisors will leave in 60 days.
• US government could not interfere in Vietnamese poltics or militarily.
• Prisoners of War be released within 60 days
• USA give aid for reconstruction.

Question 29

What was the Signifcance of the Paris Peace Accords to the US, SV and NV?

Answer 29

US - Cut Military funding, and aid to SV was well below what Nixon promised leaving the ARVN badly supplied. Only 150 US marines were left to guard the embasy.
SV - The economy collapsed due to large reduction in US aid and loss of income from American soldier leaving. Thieu corrupt government meant his policy was not to engage in talks with NV.
NV - Policy was to achieve a united communist Vietnam. Launched an attack in December 1974, due to no negotions from SV, the ARVN could not cope and Saigon fell on 30 April 1975 as no US help came.

Question 30

What were the Obstacles to ‘Peace Talks’?

Answer 30

1. South Vietnam not involved in Peace talks till 1972, as they are done in secret.
2. Easter Offensive delays peace as US have to react with Violence.
3. Never agree on how the Government will work for a united Vietnam.
4. Difficult for the sides to agree how the US will leave.

Question 31

How did Nixon try to force the North Vietnamese into Peace Talks?

Answer 31

1. Starts talking with China and USSR to put pressure on NV as they may lose their aid if they don’t reach peace.
2. Continues Vietnamisation of the War.
3. Continues to push for secret and public negotiations with the North.
4. Continues to bomb the North.

Question 32

What were the Reasons for the US and North Vietnam to Negotiate:

Answer 32

USA:
Growing anti-war feeling in the US and Worldwide.
Reduced funding from Congress.
Cost of War
Nixon elected on promise of Peace.
Invasion of Loas, Cambodia and Christmas bombing had huge critism. 
NV :
Continued bombing of the North.
Failure of the 1972 Easter Offensive.
Possible less aid from China/USSR.
At each peace talks the USA give more up to the North.
Both:
No victory in sight, a stalemate.
Casulties of war.

Question 33

What was the Social cost of the war?

Answer 33

• Americans saw themselves as ashamed as they had been defeated by a small country.
• Black americans had worst quality of life as less money had been spent on ghettos.
• There were very few large parades welcoming the soldiers home. Veterans were beaten up, spat on and accused of killing innocent people. Discriminated finding work.

Question 34

What was the Military cost of the war?

Answer 34

• 58,220 dead soldiers.
• About 850,000 survivors had sever physocological problems. (Depression/Anxiety)
• 303,704 wounded, 75,000 of these severley disabled.

Question 35

What was the Political cost of the war?

Answer 35

• The war divided US society so America were less trustworthy of themeselves and the government, police, military.
• Lost the US reputation across the world as it had lost the war.
• Politicians said they should be careful what conflict they go into in the future.
• By 1975 people saw the US divided and government was less respected. Before they were seen united, freedom and wealthy.

Question 36

What was the Economical cost of the war?

Answer 36

• America spent $167 billion dollars fighting in Vietnam.

Question 37

How did the Georgraphical and Cultral Strenghths of NV make the US fail in Vietnam?

Answer 37

• The North Vietnamese understood the landscape, the climate and language of the South.
• Many fighter from the VC had previously come from South Vietnam after the 1954 Geneva Accords, so still had family and other contacts there.
• Those who had fourght the french knew the location of tunnel systems they used.

Question 38

How did the Political and Economc Strenghths of NV make the US fail in Vietnam?

Answer 38

• Their government was commited and unified. - The VC were well orgnised politically/socially and good at winning support.
• The Vietcong were already etablished in SV and NV could supply the VC and work with them.
• Had financialhelp from China and the USSR, over $3 billion in aid between 1954 and 1967 (mostly weapons and equipment).
• Loas and Cambodia allowed the Ho Chi Minh trail to opporate in their country. Allows equipment to move to south.

Question 39

How did the Military Strenghths of NV make the US fail in Vietnam?

Answer 39

• VC guriella tactics were extremely successful: ambushes, tunnel systems.
• NV and VC troops were very commited as they were willing to die and fight.
• Boobie Traps using punji sticks brought paranoia, death and disease to the US.

Question 40

How did the NV exploit US weakness?

Answer 40

• They use the fact the villagers did not trust the US, to get food and shelter from them.
• Use gorilla warfare to fight US (superior weaponary becomes useless).
• Boobie traps works as they don’t know terrain, creates paranoia.
• Tet Offensive, for a properganda win for US to pull out the war.

Question 41

How did the Geographical and Cultural Weakness of the US make them fail in Vietnam?

Answer 41

• Had very little grasp on what the country was like including the generals.
• Could not speak Vietnamese making it much harder to gain trust and support of SV people.
• Did not understand villiagers wouldn’t want to leave their land with their dead buried relatives (culture).
• Many villiagers couldn’t read, so leaflets telling villagers leave because of bombing was useless.
• USA lack of understanding: landscape, climate, plants and animals.

Question 42

How did the Political and Economical Weakness of the US make them fail in Vietnam?

Answer 42

• Vietnamese saw the US like the French, foreign nation imposing their own ideas.
• US-backed SV government was corrupt and unpopular, many officals had worked for the French so unpopular with locals.
• In the USA, significant opposition to the Cost of the war, by 1971 congress set a limit on money spent so military run short of equipment.
• Anti-war opposition in the USA (student, civil right etc.)

Question 43

How did the Military Weakness of the US make them fail in Vietnam?

Answer 43

• They gave the ARVN poor training so could not stand up to the VC and NV.
• US tactics were a failure as they bombed villagers when they were underground in tunnels.
• The Draft meant that many US troops were young, inexperienced and lack of wanting to fight.
• Low morale led to ‘fragging’ (800 confirmed attempts of murder of sauaderon commanders).
• Drug abuse amongst US troops mainly heroin.

Question 44

How did the opposition to the War in the US make America fail in Vietnam?

Answer 44

The US government tried to ignore it yet they couldn’t.
First war the US had been involved in where a large section of the US population did not accept the need for the war.
Growing number of people actively against it.
First war returning soldiers openly campaigned against it in large numbers and returned their medals.

Question 45

How did people avoid the Draft?

Answer 45

• College students could delay being drafted until they graduated.
• Conscientous objectors but had to dow other war work (weapons factory). During the war about 300,000 young men applied as CO’s, 170,000 were exempted.
• Studying or working abroad, mainly rich families could do this.
• Estimated 40-50,000 people left the US illegally or went into hiding in the US.

Question 46

Political Opposition example to the Vietnam War?

Answer 46

Wayne Morse, Senator for Oregon, spoke against the war even 1965. He gave only one speech in the Senate against the Gulf of Tonkin.

Question 47

How does the Kent State Shooting build public opposition?

Answer 47

1. Lead to IMMEDIATE MASS protest ACROSS the US colleges. 4 million take part in the student strike and 450 campus take part.
2. 5 days after ahooting, 100,000 protestors march on Washington protesting against the Vietnam War and killling of unarmed protestors.
3. Show the US is at war with itself of anti-war and pro-war.

Question 48

Who was involved and what happened in the Secret Peace Talks in 1970?

Answer 48

US and North Vietnam held talks, due to the US holding talks with China/USSR. The South Vietnamese government did not know about these talks. The US was considering abandoning the SV government, led by Thieu, if they could get an agreement for an independant South Vietnam. NV would not accep any government led by Thieu.

Question 49

What happened during the Talks between 1972-73?

Answer 49

On 8 October 1972, the USA and NV produced an agreement at the offical Paris Talks, in their secret meetings. Thieu refused to sign as he was furious that the agreement that he had no part in making was being forced on him. The talks broke up and an increased lack of trust from all sides.