Tensions at Home and Tensions at Home and AbroadAbroadUnit 9Unit 9

There are a lot of things going There are a lot of things going on in the country in the 60on in the country in the 60’’ss

The civil rights The civil rights movement for African movement for African AmericansAmericans

A new president – JFKA new president – JFK HispanicHispanic’’s Rightss Rights WomenWomen’’s rightss rights Native AmericanNative American’’s s

rightsrights VietnamVietnam Etc…Etc…

America (and the world) had seen how evil America (and the world) had seen how evil ideas of racism could become with Hitler and ideas of racism could become with Hitler and

his ideashis ideas

Since 1896 there had been the Since 1896 there had been the idea of:idea of:

““separate but equalseparate but equal”” But everyone knows But everyone knows

things werenthings weren’’t equalt equal A court case – A court case – Brown Brown

vs. the Board of vs. the Board of Education Education of Topeka – of Topeka – said separate but equal said separate but equal was not really equal.was not really equal.

This was at first limited This was at first limited to public schools, but to public schools, but later was expanded to later was expanded to other public areas.other public areas.

About 6 months after the Brown court About 6 months after the Brown court case came the case came the MontgomeryMontgomery bus bus

boycottboycott Rosa Parks Rosa Parks was was

arrested – you know arrested – you know the basic story.the basic story.

With her churches With her churches support, the African support, the African Americans of Americans of Montgomery Alabama Montgomery Alabama decided to boycott the decided to boycott the bus service. bus service.

They were also They were also supported by a young supported by a young (26 years old) Baptist (26 years old) Baptist minister –minister – Martin Martin Luther King, Jr. Luther King, Jr. (the (the first time hefirst time he’’s really s really noticed as a leader)noticed as a leader)

(Our packets has more on Martin Luther King)

The boycott lasted for The boycott lasted for about a year.about a year.

The violence and The violence and threats of whites to the threats of whites to the non-violent actions of non-violent actions of the boycott made the the boycott made the whole nation take whole nation take notice.notice.

The bus segregation The bus segregation law went to the courts law went to the courts and was declared and was declared unconstitutional.unconstitutional.

This boycott also led to This boycott also led to the founding of the the founding of the SCLC – a leading civil SCLC – a leading civil rights group.rights group.

(the Southern Christian (the Southern Christian Leadership Leadership Conference)Conference)

Schools were another focus of Schools were another focus of integrationintegration

Polls showed about 80% Polls showed about 80% of Southern whites of Southern whites opposed opposed desegregationdesegregation

(Stopping the separation (Stopping the separation of people by race)of people by race)

The KKK gets a little The KKK gets a little more active again – with more active again – with beatings, arson, and beatings, arson, and murder to threaten murder to threaten people who push for people who push for their civil rightstheir civil rights

Central High School in Little RockCentral High School in Little Rock, , Arkansas is the place many people Arkansas is the place many people

think of when they think of the think of when they think of the desegregation of schoolsdesegregation of schools

The school board made plans The school board made plans to to integrateintegrate (mix…) Central (mix…) Central High School.High School.

The governor sided with the The governor sided with the segregationists and ordered segregationists and ordered troops to turn away 9 African troops to turn away 9 African American students who American students who showed up at school.showed up at school.

For 3 weeks, they were not For 3 weeks, they were not allowed in the school.allowed in the school.

President Eisenhower realized President Eisenhower realized he had no choicehe had no choice

He ordered the He ordered the governor to let them governor to let them into the school.into the school.

Eisenhower sent the Eisenhower sent the army to protect the army to protect the students.students.

There continued to be There continued to be arguments and one arguments and one year later it was year later it was decided theydecided they’’d rather d rather close the schoolclose the school

More protests included More protests included sit-inssit-ins In 1960, 4 students In 1960, 4 students

protested at a Woolworthprotested at a Woolworth’’s s lunch counter.lunch counter.

They were refused service They were refused service because they were African because they were African American.American.

They kept coming back They kept coming back each day with more and each day with more and more protestors.more protestors.

More and more sit-ins took More and more sit-ins took place all over the country place all over the country as a peaceful way to as a peaceful way to protest.protest.

These protestors had to These protestors had to deal with things being deal with things being thrown at them, being thrown at them, being beaten, being burned with beaten, being burned with cigarettes, and even going cigarettes, and even going to jail.to jail.

Kennedy, Johnson, and Civil Kennedy, Johnson, and Civil RightsRights

At this time, John F. Kennedy At this time, John F. Kennedy was elected president was elected president

(There(There’’s an extra page in your packets on J.F.K.)s an extra page in your packets on J.F.K.) Civil rights was not a Civil rights was not a

main issue in his main issue in his campaign, but it was an campaign, but it was an important one.important one.

One of the times MLK One of the times MLK was arrested, JFK and was arrested, JFK and his brother Robert his brother Robert arranged for Kingarranged for King’’s s release.release.

Kennedy also had a Kennedy also had a hard time dealing with hard time dealing with Southern Democrats in Southern Democrats in Congress who Congress who supported segregation.supported segregation.

Another form of protests were:Another form of protests were:““Freedom RidesFreedom Rides””

In the south, African In the south, African Americans would get Americans would get on busses, sit in the on busses, sit in the front, and refuse to front, and refuse to move.move.

At bus terminals At bus terminals theythey’’d try to use d try to use ““white onlywhite only”” facilities. facilities.

They were often They were often beaten and attacked.beaten and attacked.

In the early 60In the early 60’’s, the civil rights s, the civil rights movement gained strength in the movement gained strength in the

SouthSouth In protests in Birmingham, In protests in Birmingham,

Alabama, African Alabama, African Americans wanted to push Americans wanted to push for integration.for integration.

They cityThey city’’s Public Safety s Public Safety Commissioner (Commissioner (““BullBull”” Connor) decided to use Connor) decided to use violence to stop the violence to stop the protestors.protestors.

King was there and was King was there and was arrestedarrested

Police used fire hoses and Police used fire hoses and dogs on the protestors.dogs on the protestors.

People across the nation People across the nation watched much of this on watched much of this on TV and were horrified.TV and were horrified.

Many more Americans began to support the Many more Americans began to support the passage of new laws to protect all peoplepassage of new laws to protect all people’’s civil s civil

rightsrights On August 28On August 28thth, 1963 about , 1963 about

250,000 people took place 250,000 people took place in the in the ““March on March on WashingtonWashington””

The highlight of the March The highlight of the March was MLKwas MLK’’s s ““I Have a I Have a DreamDream””speechspeech

JFKJFK did not live long enough to fulfill did not live long enough to fulfill his promise to protect peoplehis promise to protect people’’s civil s civil

rightsrights He was assassinated He was assassinated

on November 22on November 22ndnd, , 1963 in Dallas, 1963 in Dallas, TexasTexas

His death was a His death was a central event in central event in many Americans many Americans lives, for a long time.lives, for a long time.

He was succeeded He was succeeded by Lyndon Johnson. by Lyndon Johnson.

Lyndon Johnson Lyndon Johnson promised to promised to continue Kennedycontinue Kennedy’’s policiess policies

The Civil Rights Act of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 1964 was signed into was signed into law.law.

This banned segregation This banned segregation in public places (hotels, in public places (hotels, restaurants, theaters, restaurants, theaters, etc…)etc…)

Also created the Equal Also created the Equal Employment Employment Opportunity Commission Opportunity Commission to prevent job to prevent job discrimination.discrimination.

President Johnson had a reform President Johnson had a reform plan he called plan he called ““the Great Societythe Great Society””

He wanted to help the He wanted to help the disenfranchised, the disenfranchised, the poor, the elderly, and poor, the elderly, and women.women.

Its goal was to promote Its goal was to promote education, end education, end discrimination, and discrimination, and protect the environment.protect the environment.

Some of these programs Some of these programs are still around today are still around today (Medicare/Medicaid, The (Medicare/Medicaid, The Clean Air Act, The Clean Clean Air Act, The Clean Water Act)Water Act)

By the late 60By the late 60’’s, there had started to be s, there had started to be different ideas about how to go about different ideas about how to go about

getting civil rightsgetting civil rights

Some wanted this Some wanted this movement to be more movement to be more aggressive than the aggressive than the passive resistance and passive resistance and non-violence MLK non-violence MLK pushed for. – they pushed for. – they wanted wanted ““black powerblack power””

There were starting to There were starting to be some race riots – be some race riots – even in the North.even in the North.

There were a lot of There were a lot of riots after April 4riots after April 4thth, , 1968 when King was 1968 when King was assassinated.assassinated.

After King died…After King died…

• Some African Americans began to reject the ideas of non-violence and non-cooperation with whites.

• Some groups began to feel they’d do better with an idea of “black power.”

The Nation of Islam wanted The Nation of Islam wanted blacks to separate themselves blacks to separate themselves

from whitesfrom whites In the 60In the 60’’s they were led s they were led

by Elijah Mohammedby Elijah Mohammed Elijah Muhammad died on February 25, Elijah Muhammad died on February 25,

1975. After his death the leadership of 1975. After his death the leadership of his movement passed to his son, his movement passed to his son, Wallace Muhammad, who renamed the Wallace Muhammad, who renamed the movement the World Community of Al-movement the World Community of Al-Islam in the West, and then the Islam in the West, and then the American Muslim MissionAmerican Muslim Mission

Wallace Muhammad relaxed the strict Wallace Muhammad relaxed the strict dress code, abandoned resistance to dress code, abandoned resistance to military service, encouraged members military service, encouraged members to vote and to salute the flag, and to vote and to salute the flag, and even opened the movement to white even opened the movement to white people. In general, he made the people. In general, he made the movement much more conventionally movement much more conventionally Islamic.Islamic.

Many members were disturbed at the Many members were disturbed at the movement's new, moderate direction. movement's new, moderate direction. The most important of them formed a The most important of them formed a new group called the Nation of Islam, new group called the Nation of Islam, led by Louis Farrakhan (1933–). led by Louis Farrakhan (1933–). Farrakhan generally retained Elijah Farrakhan generally retained Elijah Muhammad's ideas and practices.Muhammad's ideas and practices.

But the Nation of IslamBut the Nation of Islam’’s most s most popular personality was popular personality was Malcolm Malcolm

XX.. In the mid 60In the mid 60’’s he went s he went

to Mecca and changed to Mecca and changed his mind on some his mind on some things.things.

He thought there could He thought there could be a world where all be a world where all nations could live nations could live together in peace.together in peace.

But, he was also But, he was also assassinated – by some assassinated – by some members of the Nation members of the Nation of Islam.of Islam.

Your packet has more Your packet has more on Malcolm X.on Malcolm X.

The Equal Rights Struggle The Equal Rights Struggle ExpandsExpands

Others besides African Others besides African Americans were fighting for Americans were fighting for

their civil rights.their civil rights. One of these movements One of these movements

was led by a Mexican was led by a Mexican named named Cesar ChavezCesar Chavez..

Mexican immigrants Mexican immigrants were being treated were being treated poorly in California (low poorly in California (low pay, long hours, etc…)pay, long hours, etc…)

He led a strike and He led a strike and eventually started a eventually started a union for migrant farm union for migrant farm workers. workers.

A group also formed (called A group also formed (called La Raza La Raza UnidaUnida))

They pushed for better They pushed for better jobs, better education, jobs, better education, and better housing.and better housing.

They also worked to They also worked to get Mexican Americans get Mexican Americans elected to political elected to political offices.offices.

They demanded They demanded reforms in the school reforms in the school system (better system (better facilities, more Mexican facilities, more Mexican American courses, and American courses, and more Mexican more Mexican American teachers.American teachers.

One thing that was tough for One thing that was tough for Hispanics:Hispanics:

There are many different There are many different cultures that make up cultures that make up ““HispanicsHispanics””

They didnThey didn’’t all want the t all want the same things, so it was same things, so it was hard for them to be hard for them to be united on some issues.united on some issues.

Such as: Mexicans see Such as: Mexicans see immigration and immigration and citizenship as important. citizenship as important. Puerto Ricans are already Puerto Ricans are already citizens and doncitizens and don’’t care t care about that as a main about that as a main issue. Cubans tend to be issue. Cubans tend to be more politically more politically conservative than other conservative than other Latino groups.Latino groups.

Native Americans also had a hard time Native Americans also had a hard time being united in the issues they wanted being united in the issues they wanted

to protestto protest They did meet in They did meet in

Chicago in 1961 and Chicago in 1961 and demanded the demanded the ““right to right to choose our own way of choose our own way of lifelife”” and and ““the the responsibility of responsibility of preserving precious preserving precious heritage.heritage.””

They also demanded They also demanded rights for people on rights for people on reservations and better reservations and better recognition of tribal recognition of tribal laws.laws.

They did force the They did force the government to provide government to provide them with more federal them with more federal aid and won some court aid and won some court cases over their lands.cases over their lands.

And, we canAnd, we can’’t forget about women and t forget about women and the the WomenWomen’’s Movements Movement

In the early 60In the early 60’’s, s, women still had women still had some limited some limited rightsrights

They…They… Faced problems Faced problems

signing contracts, signing contracts, selling property, selling property, and getting credit.and getting credit.

Could lose their job Could lose their job if they became if they became pregnant.pregnant.

Were pressured to Were pressured to quit their job if quit their job if they got married.they got married.

Roe vs. Wade Roe vs. Wade (1973).(1973).

Betty Friedan Betty Friedan helped start the helped start the womenwomen’’ss libliberation eration

movementmovement She helped to found the She helped to found the National National

Organization for Women (NOW) Organization for Women (NOW) whowho’’s major goal was to get s major goal was to get women good jobs and equal paywomen good jobs and equal pay

ThereThere’’s an extra page in your s an extra page in your packets on N.O.W.packets on N.O.W.

Congress also passed the Congress also passed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)(The ERA is on an extra page in your packets)(The ERA is on an extra page in your packets)

Said: Said: ““Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United states or any state on account of seabridged by the United states or any state on account of sex.x.””

But, it was never passed – not enough states ratified it for it But, it was never passed – not enough states ratified it for it to become an amendment.to become an amendment.

(1 more slide)

Two other laws were passed Two other laws were passed thoughthough

The Civil Rights Act The Civil Rights Act of 1964 helped all of 1964 helped all groups of people.groups of people.

The Higher The Higher Education Act of Education Act of 1972 outlawed 1972 outlawed discrimination discrimination against womenagainst women

Chapter 30: The Vietnam War YearsChapter 30: The Vietnam War YearsSection 1: Cold War Roots of the Section 1: Cold War Roots of the

ConflictConflict

From the late 1800From the late 1800’’s until s until WWII, France was in control of WWII, France was in control of

Vietnam Vietnam (which was part of French (which was part of French Indochina)Indochina)

Like any other colony, Like any other colony, the French were the French were increasing their wealth.increasing their wealth.

And Vietnamese And Vietnamese people were getting people were getting poorer and losing their poorer and losing their rights.rights.

They did have some They did have some revolts, but most were revolts, but most were not effective.not effective.

But in 1930, a new leader named But in 1930, a new leader named Ho Chi Ho Chi Minh Minh called for an independent Vietnamcalled for an independent Vietnam

He organized the He organized the Indochinese Indochinese Communist Party (ICP)Communist Party (ICP)

The French responded The French responded by arresting and by arresting and killing some of the ICP killing some of the ICP leaders.leaders.

They couldnThey couldn’’t catch Ho t catch Ho Chi Minh, but Chi Minh, but sentenced him to sentenced him to death anyways.death anyways.

During WWII, Japan controlled Indochina - During WWII, Japan controlled Indochina - and the U.S. helped Ho Chi Minh fight the and the U.S. helped Ho Chi Minh fight the

Japanese.Japanese. When WWII was over, When WWII was over,

the French tried to the French tried to regain control.regain control.

In the meantime, Ho In the meantime, Ho Chi Minh had formed a Chi Minh had formed a group called the Viet group called the Viet Minh - and they were Minh - and they were saying Vietnam was saying Vietnam was now independent.now independent.

War broke out War broke out between the French between the French and the Viet Minh.and the Viet Minh.

Remember, the Viet Minh were Remember, the Viet Minh were a communist groupa communist group

And the United And the United States had a States had a ““containment policycontainment policy”” towards towards communism.communism.

The United States The United States agreed to help agreed to help France and offered France and offered them money and them money and military aid. military aid.

The U.S. had a The U.S. had a ““domino theorydomino theory”” about about communismcommunism

That if one country That if one country fell to communism, fell to communism, the ones around it the ones around it would also fall.would also fall.

France could not defeat the France could not defeat the Viet Minh and in peace talks…Viet Minh and in peace talks…

It was decided Vietnam It was decided Vietnam would be split in two.would be split in two.

Ho Chi Minh and the Ho Chi Minh and the communists would communists would control the Northcontrol the North

Ngo Dinh Diem and the Ngo Dinh Diem and the anti-communists would anti-communists would control the South.control the South.

There would eventually There would eventually be elections to re-unify be elections to re-unify the country.the country.

Ho Chi Minh was very popular in North Ho Chi Minh was very popular in North Vietnam – and even in the SouthVietnam – and even in the South

If there were If there were elections he would elections he would win, so Diem decided win, so Diem decided not to hold the not to hold the elections in the elections in the South.South.

He actually had a He actually had a very evil government very evil government - he jailed, tortured - he jailed, tortured and executed his and executed his opponents.opponents.

There were some South Vietnamese There were some South Vietnamese communists who opposed Diemcommunists who opposed Diem

Diem made fun of them Diem made fun of them and called them and called them Viet CongViet Cong

(meant Vietnamese (meant Vietnamese communists)communists)

The Viet Cong fought to The Viet Cong fought to overthrow Diem – and overthrow Diem – and were supported by North were supported by North Vietnamese communists.Vietnamese communists.

They sent supplies along They sent supplies along a network of paths called a network of paths called the the ““Ho Chi Minh Trail.Ho Chi Minh Trail.””

Kennedy was president, and he Kennedy was president, and he continued to support South continued to support South

VietnamVietnam But he also had some But he also had some

things going on things going on ““back back home.home.””

He supported and helped He supported and helped train a group who tried to train a group who tried to invade Cuba to re-take the invade Cuba to re-take the country from Fidel Castrocountry from Fidel Castro..

They invaded at the They invaded at the ““Bay Bay of Pigsof Pigs””, but were , but were unsuccessful.unsuccessful.

JFK said it was his biggest JFK said it was his biggest mistake as president.mistake as president.

The Soviet Union decided to The Soviet Union decided to build the Berlin Wallbuild the Berlin Wall

Which became a symbol of communism Which became a symbol of communism and itand it’’s oppression.s oppression.

And… in October, 1962 And… in October, 1962 in the most serious Soviet confrontation in the most serious Soviet confrontation

everever……

The United States The United States learned the Russians learned the Russians had put nuclear missiles had put nuclear missiles in Cuba – and they were in Cuba – and they were bringing more.bringing more.

In a huge In a huge ““showdown,showdown,”” the Soviets took back the Soviets took back the missiles (the new the missiles (the new ones), and the U.S. ones), and the U.S. promised to not invade promised to not invade Cuba.Cuba.

The Cuban Missile Crisis

Back in Vietnam at this Back in Vietnam at this time…time…

The U.S. told Diem he The U.S. told Diem he had to make some had to make some changes.changes.

He refused.He refused. A U.S. militaryA U.S. military coup coup

overthrew Diem and overthrew Diem and even though Kennedy even though Kennedy didndidn’’t want them to, they t want them to, they killed Diem.killed Diem.

Three weeks later, Three weeks later, Kennedy was Kennedy was assassinated.assassinated.

Section 2Section 2

War War

Expands Expands

In In

VietnamVietnam

The assassination of Diem The assassination of Diem brought chaos to South brought chaos to South

VietnamVietnam They had some new They had some new

leaders, but none leaders, but none were very good.were very good.

And, the Viet Cong And, the Viet Cong kept active in South kept active in South Vietnam.Vietnam.

President Johnson President Johnson wanted to bomb North wanted to bomb North Vietnam, but didnVietnam, but didn’’t t have permission from have permission from CongressCongress

Then, a U.S. ship was fired Then, a U.S. ship was fired upon in the Gulf of Tonkin. upon in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Johnson asked (and got) Johnson asked (and got) permission to use permission to use military force in North military force in North Vietnam.Vietnam.

This was called This was called the Gulf the Gulf of Tonkin Resolutionof Tonkin Resolution..

In a policy calledIn a policy called escalation, President escalation, President Johnson sent 536,000 Johnson sent 536,000 American troops to American troops to Vietnam (there were Vietnam (there were about 150,000 in Iraq in about 150,000 in Iraq in 2008).2008).

Most Americans thought we would easily Most Americans thought we would easily defeat North Vietnam… but there were some defeat North Vietnam… but there were some

issuesissues

We didnWe didn’’t want China to t want China to also become involved.also become involved.

Most U.S. soldiers were Most U.S. soldiers were young and young and inexperienced.inexperienced.

There wasnThere wasn’’t always an t always an easy way to tell who was easy way to tell who was on which side (The North on which side (The North Viet Cong look just like Viet Cong look just like South Vietnamese South Vietnamese civilians).civilians).

And, the Viet Cong were great And, the Viet Cong were great fightersfighters

The relied heavily on The relied heavily on guerrilla warfareguerrilla warfare

TheyThey’’d hide in d hide in underground tunnels, underground tunnels, attack quickly, and attack quickly, and disappear.disappear.

They used land They used land mines and booby mines and booby traps all over the traps all over the jungles.jungles.

And, for the Americans – just And, for the Americans – just being in Vietnam was toughbeing in Vietnam was tough

““ItIt’’s a jungle out s a jungle out therethere””

Swamps, rains, Swamps, rains, floods, and floods, and incredible heat.incredible heat.

And, the Viet Cong And, the Viet Cong were not going to were not going to give up (their give up (their country had been country had been invaded)invaded)

The U.S. army did do some things to The U.S. army did do some things to try and get rid of Viet Cong jungle try and get rid of Viet Cong jungle

hiding spotshiding spots The used The used Napalm Napalm to to

that burns living things.that burns living things. They used They used ““Agent Agent

OrangeOrange”” – which killed – which killed plants and destroyed plants and destroyed

junglesjungles.. You may not want You may not want

to see the next 2 to see the next 2 slides.slides.

Dioxin isnDioxin isn’’t diluted by water and is chemically t diluted by water and is chemically stable so it doesnstable so it doesn’’t easily decompose. As a result, it t easily decompose. As a result, it still exists in concentrated forms today, infiltrating still exists in concentrated forms today, infiltrating the ecosystems and food chains in many parts of the ecosystems and food chains in many parts of Vietnam. This is how the deadly chemical continues Vietnam. This is how the deadly chemical continues to claim its new prey — people who live off the land to claim its new prey — people who live off the land and water systems contaminated by it. And the and water systems contaminated by it. And the dioxin in their blood gets passed on to their dioxin in their blood gets passed on to their offspring, including through breast milk. offspring, including through breast milk.

There are about 50 especially contaminated There are about 50 especially contaminated ““hot hot spotsspots””, many of which were US military bases. , many of which were US military bases. According to declassified US defense department According to declassified US defense department documents, on March 1, 1970, 7500 gallons of documents, on March 1, 1970, 7500 gallons of Agent Orange were spilled at Bien Hoa, home of a Agent Orange were spilled at Bien Hoa, home of a US base. Similar spills and dumping of aborted US base. Similar spills and dumping of aborted Agent Orange spray-runs were common. The US Agent Orange spray-runs were common. The US also sprayed Agent Purple (another chemical with also sprayed Agent Purple (another chemical with even higher dioxin levels), though in smaller even higher dioxin levels), though in smaller quantities. quantities.

American soldiers also were American soldiers also were ““a a littlelittle”” out of control at times. out of control at times.

The would bomb, The would bomb, burn, and destroy burn, and destroy entire villages (there entire villages (there may be Viet Cong may be Viet Cong hiding with the hiding with the civilian villagers).civilian villagers).

This made many This made many Vietnamese hate Vietnamese hate more Americans more Americans

even more.even more.

By 1967 the war was getting By 1967 the war was getting pretty bad, and neither side was pretty bad, and neither side was

““winningwinning””(even though American leaders said we (even though American leaders said we

were)were) But on Tet (the But on Tet (the Vietnamese New Year), Vietnamese New Year), the Viet Cong launched the Viet Cong launched a surprise attack on a surprise attack on South Vietnam and South Vietnam and American troops.American troops.

This was called: This was called:

the Tet Offensivethe Tet Offensive

For many Americans, this was the photo that led to outright For many Americans, this was the photo that led to outright opposition to the Vietnam War. This Pulitzer Prize winning opposition to the Vietnam War. This Pulitzer Prize winning

photo shows the intelligence chief of the U.S.-backed South photo shows the intelligence chief of the U.S.-backed South Vietnam government assassinating a suspected Viet-Cong Vietnam government assassinating a suspected Viet-Cong

infiltrator.infiltrator.

In this attack, the Viet Cong lost in In this attack, the Viet Cong lost in terms of numbers and cities they terms of numbers and cities they

controlled, but…controlled, but… The attack made many The attack made many

Americans wonder if Americans wonder if everything we were trying everything we were trying to do was really worth it.to do was really worth it.

Many people considered Many people considered the war to be the war to be ““un-un-winnablewinnable””

President Johnson President Johnson eventually refused to eventually refused to send more soldiers.send more soldiers.

Johnson decided to not Johnson decided to not even run for a second even run for a second term as president.term as president.

As the war went on, it really destroyed As the war went on, it really destroyed the morale of the American soldiers.the morale of the American soldiers.

People asked why People asked why Americans were Americans were there fighting a there fighting a war the war the Vietnamese people Vietnamese people didndidn’’t want to fight.t want to fight.

(not the last slide)

And, in one of the worst acts And, in one of the worst acts (of many bad ones)(of many bad ones)

At My Lai, a U.S. At My Lai, a U.S. platoon rounded up platoon rounded up and shot between 175 and shot between 175 and 500 unarmed and 500 unarmed Vietnamese citizens Vietnamese citizens (mostly women, (mostly women, children, and old men).children, and old men).

A U.S. helicopter pilot A U.S. helicopter pilot rescued even more by rescued even more by threatening to fire on threatening to fire on the soldiers.the soldiers.

This is called the This is called the My Lai MassacreMy Lai Massacre

Section 3: The Vietnam War EndsSection 3: The Vietnam War Ends

As the war escalated, a lot of As the war escalated, a lot of people in America were furiouspeople in America were furious

They felt the U.S. had They felt the U.S. had no business involving no business involving itself in another itself in another countrycountry’’s civil war.s civil war.

Others thought some Others thought some of the things our of the things our soldiers were doing soldiers were doing was just evil.was just evil.

Others felt the cost to Others felt the cost to America was just too America was just too high (in deaths and high (in deaths and injuries, costs of the injuries, costs of the war, conflicts about war, conflicts about who went…)who went…)

The picture below was taken at Kent State University (in Ohio), during a protest where our soldiers opened fire on protesting college students.

Students were some of the Students were some of the biggest groups of protestorsbiggest groups of protestors

Most had friends who were Most had friends who were in Vietnamin Vietnam

You could avoid the You could avoid the military by going to college military by going to college – which meant there were – which meant there were a lot more soldiers who a lot more soldiers who were drafted because they were drafted because they were poorer.were poorer.

African Americans:African Americans: 20% of the troops20% of the troops 24% of combat deaths24% of combat deaths But 11% of the American But 11% of the American

population.population.

Martin Luther King said he saw Martin Luther King said he saw the war as an enemy of the the war as an enemy of the

poorpoor Those people who support Those people who support

war: war: hawkshawks Those people who are Those people who are

against war: against war: doves doves

The Peace SignThe Peace Sign

What does it mean? What does it mean? Gerald Holtom, a Gerald Holtom, a conscientious objector conscientious objector who had worked on a who had worked on a farm in Norfolk during farm in Norfolk during the Second World War, the Second World War, explained that the explained that the symbol incorporated symbol incorporated the semaphore letters the semaphore letters N(uclear) and N(uclear) and D(isarmament).D(isarmament).

D D

N N

The Tet Offensive made The Tet Offensive made Americans doubt they could Americans doubt they could

win the warwin the war And they had even And they had even

more doubts when more doubts when Walter Cronkite Walter Cronkite visited Vietnam and visited Vietnam and reported the U.S. reported the U.S. was not winning the was not winning the war (people really war (people really respected his respected his opinion)opinion)

When it was time for a new president, When it was time for a new president, the the Democratic National ConventionDemocratic National Convention

was held in Chicago – and it was a catastrophe.was held in Chicago – and it was a catastrophe.

Thousands of anti-war riots Thousands of anti-war riots protestors and demonstrators.protestors and demonstrators.

The Chicago police were The Chicago police were brutal.brutal.

This was the same year MLK This was the same year MLK and Robert Kennedy had been and Robert Kennedy had been assassinated, the Tet assassinated, the Tet offensive had taken place, offensive had taken place, Walter Cronkite told the Walter Cronkite told the nation we wouldnnation we wouldn’’t win, etc…t win, etc…

People were pretty worked up People were pretty worked up and especially with the and especially with the Democrats. Richard Nixon Democrats. Richard Nixon was elected president.was elected president.

Vietnam was also the first Vietnam was also the first ““television wartelevision war””

Every night the news Every night the news showed film footage showed film footage from Vietnam – very from Vietnam – very edited scenes.edited scenes.

They rarely showed They rarely showed actual battles – they actual battles – they didndidn’’t want to shock t want to shock viewers.viewers.

They never showed They never showed injured or dead injured or dead soldiers (their families soldiers (their families might see them)might see them)

In 1969 Nixon announced heIn 1969 Nixon announced he’’d gradually remove d gradually remove troops from Vietnam, so people were happy troops from Vietnam, so people were happy

about thatabout that

What people didnWhat people didn’’t t know was he already know was he already had begun secret had begun secret bombing raids in bombing raids in Cambodia (trying to Cambodia (trying to stop them from helping stop them from helping supply the Viet Cong).supply the Viet Cong).

People later found out People later found out – which led to even – which led to even more hatred and more hatred and distrust of our distrust of our government leaders.government leaders.

On April 17th, 1975 the Khmer Rouge, a communist guerrilla group led On April 17th, 1975 the Khmer Rouge, a communist guerrilla group led by Pol Pot, took power in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. They by Pol Pot, took power in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. They forced all city dwellers into the countryside and to labor camps. During forced all city dwellers into the countryside and to labor camps. During their rule, it is estimated that nearly 2 million Cambodians died by their rule, it is estimated that nearly 2 million Cambodians died by starvation, torture or execution.  starvation, torture or execution. 

The Khmer Rouge turned Cambodia to year zero. They banned The Khmer Rouge turned Cambodia to year zero. They banned allall institutions, including stores, banks, hospitals, schools, religion, and institutions, including stores, banks, hospitals, schools, religion, and the family. Everyone was forced to work 12 - 14 hours a day, every the family. Everyone was forced to work 12 - 14 hours a day, every day. Children were separated from their parents to work in mobile day. Children were separated from their parents to work in mobile groups or as soldiers. People were fed one watery bowl of soup with a groups or as soldiers. People were fed one watery bowl of soup with a few grains of rice thrown in. Babies, children, adults and the elderly few grains of rice thrown in. Babies, children, adults and the elderly were killed everywhere. The Khmer Rouge killed people if they didnwere killed everywhere. The Khmer Rouge killed people if they didn ’’t t like them, if didnlike them, if didn’’t work hard enough, if they were educated, if they t work hard enough, if they were educated, if they came from different ethnic groups, or if they showed sympathy when came from different ethnic groups, or if they showed sympathy when their family members were taken away to be killed. All were killed their family members were taken away to be killed. All were killed without reason. Everyone had to pledge total allegiance to Angka, the without reason. Everyone had to pledge total allegiance to Angka, the Khmer Rouge government. It was a campaign based on instilling Khmer Rouge government. It was a campaign based on instilling constant fear and keeping their victims off balance.constant fear and keeping their victims off balance.

After the Vietnamese invaded and liberated the Cambodian people After the Vietnamese invaded and liberated the Cambodian people from the Khmer Rouge, 600,000 Cambodians fled to Thai border from the Khmer Rouge, 600,000 Cambodians fled to Thai border camps. Ten million landmines were left in the ground, one for every camps. Ten million landmines were left in the ground, one for every person in Cambodia. The United Nations installed the largest person in Cambodia. The United Nations installed the largest peacekeeping mission in the world in Cambodia in 1991 to ensure free peacekeeping mission in the world in Cambodia in 1991 to ensure free and fair elections after the withdrawal of the Vietnamese troops. and fair elections after the withdrawal of the Vietnamese troops. Cambodia was turned upside down during the Khmer Rouge years and Cambodia was turned upside down during the Khmer Rouge years and the country has the daunting task of healing physically, mentally and the country has the daunting task of healing physically, mentally and economically.economically.

““The Killing FieldsThe Killing Fields”” of of CambodiaCambodia

Nixon was re-electedNixon was re-elected

The U.S. and Vietnam The U.S. and Vietnam signed a peace treaty.signed a peace treaty.

In the treaty, North In the treaty, North Vietnam agreed to not Vietnam agreed to not invade South Vietnam.invade South Vietnam.

For the United For the United States, the war was States, the war was over.over.

Two years later, North Two years later, North Vietnam invaded South Vietnam invaded South Vietnam and Vietnam and thatthat’’s s when the war ended.when the war ended.

As bad as the war was for As bad as the war was for Americans – it was worse for the Americans – it was worse for the

VietnameseVietnamese More than 1.2 More than 1.2

million deaths.million deaths. Lasting damage to Lasting damage to

their land and their land and environment (A.O.)environment (A.O.)

Ruined their Ruined their economyeconomy

In AmericaIn America

58,000 dead 58,000 dead soldiers.soldiers.

300,000 wounded.300,000 wounded. Nightmares and Nightmares and

stress for returning stress for returning soldiers.soldiers.

Many of these Many of these soldiers came home soldiers came home to an America that to an America that treated them pretty treated them pretty bad.bad.

But some good things did But some good things did happen happen

The voting age was The voting age was lowered (anyone who lowered (anyone who could fight and possibly die could fight and possibly die should have the right to should have the right to choose their President).choose their President).

The draft was eliminated.The draft was eliminated. America is sometimes America is sometimes

more careful in getting more careful in getting involved in overseas involved in overseas events?events?

The president did have The president did have some limits put on his some limits put on his ability to go to war.ability to go to war.

People keep a better eye People keep a better eye on their politicians (they lie on their politicians (they lie sometimes)sometimes)

In 1973, Congress passed In 1973, Congress passed TheThe War Powers Act, War Powers Act, which which limits the presidentlimits the president’’s war s war making powersmaking powers

Before you totally finish your packets Before you totally finish your packets and turn them in, please take time and turn them in, please take time

to look at the extra pagesto look at the extra pages..

One page has a timeline of the Vietnam WarOne page has a timeline of the Vietnam War One page has some more on Vietnam and, One page has some more on Vietnam and, ““the the

Pentagon Papers.Pentagon Papers.”” One page is about Woodstock.One page is about Woodstock. One page is about the 1968 Democratic National One page is about the 1968 Democratic National

Convention (in Chicago).Convention (in Chicago). One page is some basic information about One page is some basic information about

hippies.hippies.