In the initial stages of the U.S. military build-up in Vietnam, a large majority of Americans supported the Johnson administration’s actions. But as the war dragged on and casualties mounted, popular opposition surged. By 1967, tens of thousands of Americans from all walks of life were joining anti-war demonstrations.College professors and students were among the first to protest. In March 1965, the University of Michigan hosted a teach-in to foster awareness of U.S. policies. Others colleges held similar events. The following month, 25,000 people, mostly students, gathered for the March on Washington to End the War in Vietnam, an event organized by Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). Paul Potter, SDS president, gave a speech, which I would like you to read, at the rally (you can read it by clicking here). SDS became the leading anti-war group among leftists and college students. In 1966, as the government called up more draftees, resistance escalated. Opponents of the draft criticized the system’s impact on the poor and minorities as well as loopholes that enabled the affluent to escape military service. As the war’s costs reached $20 billion a year, many Americans were outraged when Congress instituted new taxes and cut Great Society programs. Liberal intellectuals, pacifists, clergy, business leaders, and politicians joined those criticizing the war. By 1969, Americans were polarized in their views on Vietnam.
After reading Potter’s speech, I would like you to reflect on and discuss the following: Why is Potter so opposed to the Vietnam War? How does Potter claim that the war is affecting American society? What does Potter believe is necessary to stop the war? Are his recommendations practical? What impact did anti-war demonstrations have on U.S. policies in Vietnam? Would you have joined the anti-war movement? Explain. Your thoughts…
1 comment:
i would have joined this movement in a heartbeat because it makes sense. the u.s. is the one starting all the problems because of their notion to 'protect freedom'. in vietnam, potter says that it wasn't vietnamese freedom that was being protected, but our own. yet again we have the notion to 'protect freedom' in places where we don't need to have our noses. he says there are more important issues on the home front, such as women and segergation and that this war is just to make the people in the pentagon happy. he believes that u.s. government needs to wake up and smell the coffee. he's says they're insulated and can't hear anything that the logical protesters are saying. i'd like to equate this to the protesters being the people on the outside of a door, and the u.s. government is on the inside... and everytime the protesters say something the government merely opens the door, smacks the protesters in the face, and because they don't hear anything else go back in and shut the door. potter says that that cannot happen if the u.s. plans to make anything of itself in the world to come.
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