2. 26.2 – VIETNAM DIVIDES THE NATION Spring of 1965 – American troops first enter the war under LBJ and public support for American policies in Vietnam is high (66%) As casualties climbed and progress seemed lacking many Americans began questioning the war Media reports contradicted reports by General Westmoreland Credibility gap? Congress began having doubts Walter Cronkite report

3. 26.2 – NATION DIVIDED TEACH-INS March, 1965 – students and teachers discussed the war and reasons they opposed it National Teach-In Day – May 1965; 122 colleges; by radio for more than 100,000 antiwar demonstrators Why did they oppose it? Many reasons: a.Civil War that was not America’s business b.S. Vietnam had a corrupt gov’t and therefore did not deserve to be defended/supported

4. 26.2 – NATION DIVIDED DRAFT Prior to 1969 college students could defer until graduation Socioeconomic effect of this? -If we can fight, why can’t we vote? (26 th amendment) -as more became eligible for the draft, more and more draftees refused to go -What did they do? Majority of soldiers were actually volunteers (why volunteer?) Disproportionate number of volunteers were working-class African-Americans Unfair treatment? Disproportionate death rate?

5. 26.2 – NATION DIVIDED PROTESTS Protests took many forms, not just limited to college campuses Public rallies in many towns and cities Ex. Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) organized a march on Washington, D.C.

6. TROOP ESCALATION IN VIETNAM ADMINISTRATIONDATEMILITARY FORCES, TOTAL JKF19613,200 JKF196211,300 JFK196316,300 LBJ196423,300 LBJ1965184,300 LBJ1966385,300 LBJ1967485,600 LBJ1968536,100 NIXON1969475,200 NIXON1970334,600 NIXON1971156,800 NIXON197224,200

7. 26.2 – NATION DIVIDED HAWKS Early 1968 poll – 53% of Americans favored stronger military action; 24% wanted an end to the war Hawks believed America should stay and continue to fight DOVES Wanted the U.S. to withdraw from Vietnam; end the war

8. 26.2 – 1968 Major events took place during this dramatic year: 1.January – Tet Offensive – victory and defeat at the same time? 2.March – LBJ announced he would not seek reelection 3.Assassinations of MLK and RFK 4.Riots between antiwar protestors and the police 5.Nixon wins the presidential election

9. 1968 – YEAR IN REVIEW POSTER TOPICS 1.Tet Offensive 2.LBJ announcement 3.Assassinations of MLK and RFK 4. Nixon elected MUST HAVES 1.Title (same as this slide) 2.Headings (the 5 topics) 3.At least 1 picture for each topic 4.Caption for each picture that explains the significance of the picture and event