What was the impact of the Vietnam War (1954-75) on domestic policy? Flashcards
(14 cards)
What was one of the most unpopular policies for the draft?
1st December 1969 -
A lottery to select men 18-24 to fight in Vietnam
What were these men sent?
‘Draft cards’, some burnt during anti-war protests
Why were the draft cards controversial?
Some men were too young to drink and vote, yet they had to go to war
How did media cover the Draft Cards?
Through TV and Radio, with a ‘gameshow’ element
What did WASPs do?
Draft dodged their sons
Who protested against the war?
All of people, old, young, black, rich, poor etc.
What was a group that heavily despised the war?
Vietnam Veterans against War
What did the VVAW do?
Campaigned by showing the horror results of war; illnesses, disabilities, PTSD. Their treatment back home
How many members did the VVAW gain?
From 6 veterans, to 30,000 members in support
How did media coverage compare to the end of the war?
Start = White House press conferences report
End = Graphic images of massacres
What was the massacre of Mai Lai?
Entire village sprayed with Agent Orange
Soldiers rewarded with ice cream and beers if high kill count
What did American soldiers call Vietnamese?
Gooks = racist word
Who was Walter Cronkite?
Highly influential news reporter
What was the impact of Walter Cronkite?
Increase in public reaction against war through programme
