U4_AOS2 Flashcards
1965 the age
Saw conscription as necessary
“Part of the price the nation has to pay for overriding necessity to defend itself and to protect its vital interests abroad”
1965 liberal party
Robert Menzies announced war, justified by acknowledging that “the takeover of South Vietnam would be a direct military threat to Australia”
Argued that- would prevent spread of comm, offer assistance to US and Vietnam, whilst fulfilling obligations to SEATO and Anzus
ALP 1965
Arthur calwell- accuses gov of misunderstanding the nature of the war and oversimplifying it as a military aggression from the north
“We do not think it is a wise decision.. A timely decision.. A right decision”
“We believe it prolong and deepen the suffering of that unhappy people”
The Australian newspaper 1965
“Reckless decision”
“It could be that historians recall this day with tears”
gallop polls
1965 - 56 approve 28 disapprove
1966 - 61 approve
1967 - 63 approve
1970 - 43 approve 45 disapprove
1966
Support continued to grow
The battle of long tan- fuelled patriotism
LBJ - “you have an admiring friend, a staunch friend that will be all the way with LBJ” showed the importance of the war, the states’ appreciation and value
1968
Support began to decline in response to
Tet offensive - pivotal, simultaneous launch by north shocked Americans who thought they were winning. Shook the resolve of the Americans and allies and fuelled an anti war sentiment on a global scale
1969
My lai -
120 defenceless villagers were killed by us marine company. Enormous publicity erupted beyond us and aus shores, provoked a huge switch in attitudes, questioned morality, international urge to end war
1970
Anti war movement had grown into a mass movement comprising a broad cross section of society.. Slight majority oppose 45%
The Vietnam moratorium
Crowds of tens of thousands protesting against war by sitting in the streets and “calmly expressing their opposition to the gov” (Donald Horne) Campaign in May that brought together a broad group of interests. Anti war movement was no longer a minority. “By the campaigns publicity, every Australian in some way was made to think” SOS
Sydney morning herald 1970
Critical of moratorium
“Promote civil disorder and encourage breaking the law”
“Unwarranted inconvenience”
Liberal party 1970
Some MPs described intending marchers as “bikies who are pack raping democracy”
Michael sexton on govs reasoning for war
“By far the strongest reason was the governments desire for the us to maintain a military presence in South East Asia”
Jeffrey grey on conscription importance
“For many Australians, conscription for overseas service was the issue, the nature or conduct of the war being entirely secondary”
Gregory pemberton on Tet offensive
“In public debate, the issue of morality of the war was now joined, more strongly than before”
