Chapter 29.2: A Generation in Conflict Student Activism, the Draft, and American Soldiers in Vietnam

Student Activism Generation Gap - nation is split: people who favored increasing war effort (hawks) vs. people who believed war was morally wrong (doves) SDS – Students for a Democratic Society opposed the war effort and greatly supported freedom of speech – “New Left” California at Berkley students took over administration building over free speech Teach-Ins – University faculty members led antiwar sessions

The Draft Selective Service Act – drafted men between 18 and 26 into the military conscientious objectors – people who were opposed to fighting the war for moral or religious reasons In December 1967, 70% of Americans felt that the protests were “acts of disloyalty” In spring of 1967 nearly 500,000 gathered in NYC’s Central Park: “Hell no we won’t go!” “Burn Cards not People!” As more people were drafted, the number of protests against the War increased College students could receive a deferment – postponement of service 100,000 “draft dodgers” move to Canada

The Working Class War-Soldiers in Vietnam Young Soldiers (average age was 19) Lower class whites and minorities “Working Class” African Americans made up only 10% of the population but 20%-30% of the combat deaths 10,000 US Women served in Vietnam – Most served as military nurses – Thousand more served in the Red Cross and the USO (United Services Organizations)

Vietnam Soldiers video

Conclusion: Draft Questions What do you think a citizen’s responsibilities are to this country? During the Civil War people paid $500 to stay out of the military. Should people with money be able to avoid military service during wartime? Some conscientious objectors in the Vietnam War served in hospitals or as Army medics, while others fled to Canada. Discuss your feelings about each scenario. If you were old enough to serve in a war or be drafted, what would you choose to do? Was it fair for young men to legally avoid the draft through a college deferment during the war?