The role of the media and the rise of anti-war protests Flashcards
What organisation did the Us Army set up in the Vietnam war to work with Journalists?
MACV ( Military Assistance Command, Vietnam)
What rights did the MACV give American journalists?
If they were accredited by the MACV (given official recognition) Journalists were given the rights to visit war areas, interview commanders and receive reports on the war.
How many journalists had their accreditation removed by the MACV, showing general support for the war?
Only 3 Journalists between 1964 and 1968.
What did some new stations begin to report on from 1968?
The media began to report on villages that had been napalmed, civilian massacres. (such as the My Lai) and casualties, teenage American soldiers killed, and Vietnamese towns/cities destroyed.
Who began protest against the Vietnam war and Why?
1) President Johnson was accused of not creating the ‘Great society’ he had promised, because so much money was being spent on the War instead of helping Americans
2) Civil rights campaigners accused the government of discriminating against the black people in the War.
3) Many students thought the war was immoral.
What percentage of African Americans were drafted to fight in the war?
30% ( in comparison to 19% of white Americans)
Why were many African Americans not able to avoid the Draft?
Unlike white Americans, few African Americans attended university and were therefore exempt from fighting in the war/
Which Famous American boxer refused to fight in the Vietnam war?
Muhammad Ali
How many anti-war protests were led by students in the first half of 1968?
Over 100 protests, involving 40,000 students
Why did students rise in protest at the Kent state University in 1970?
In response to President Nixon’s decision to invade Cambodia.(1970)
What happened during and after the Kent state University protest?
Soldiers opened fire at demonstrators, killing 4 students and injuring 11 others. Because of the violence, 400 Us college closed & 2 million students went on strike
How many Protestors demonstrated in Washington D.C. in November 1969?
700,000 protestors
Why did the Media and anti-war protests encourage America to withdraw from the War?
The negative anti-war feeling which arose in America put pressure on the US government to end America’s involvement in Vietnam, in order to keep the public on their side ( for future election)
