Lecture 17 - Rights Rebellion Resistance

Rights, Rebellion, & Resistance RAAF tan oate

North Vietnam was a communist state, supported by China and the Soviet Union.
South Vietnam was anti-communist and sought to resist Northern aggression.
North Vietnam aimed to take control over South Vietnam.
The Viet Cong were South Vietnamese communists supporting the North's efforts.
In 1955, U.S. President Eisenhower sent war supplies and military advisors to support South Vietnam's army.
Over the years 1955-1961, the U.S. allocated $800 million to assist South Vietnam.
U.S. involvement in Vietnam lasted from 1955 to 1975, spanning two decades.

The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a network of supply routes through Laos and Cambodia used by North Vietnam to support the Viet Cong.
South Vietnam was increasingly weakened and desperate for aid.
President Kennedy opted for a 'middle ground' strategy:
- Doubled financial support for South Vietnam.
- Sent 9,000 military advisors.
- Reprimanded corrupt leaders in South Vietnam to try and stabilize the government.
Although this strategy extended support, it did not resolve existing issues.

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson sent combat troops to South Vietnam.
He initiated sustained bombing campaigns against North Vietnam.
LBJ was reluctant to withdraw U.S. troops without a clear victory.
As a result, he continued to increase troop levels and funding.
This approach merely maintained the status quo rather than resolving the conflict.
LBJ's strategy faced dissent from both military advisors and the public, who were divided on the war.

Soldiers faced challenges in distinguishing between enemies and allies.
Some citizens in South Vietnam were allies, while others fought for the Viet Cong.
U.S. forces mistakenly targeted loyal citizens, leading to mistrust.
The use of Chemical Warfare, notably Agent Orange, aimed to destroy jungle cover but resulted in long-term health issues for soldiers and civilians.
Bombing campaigns across Vietnam (both North and South) led to widespread suffering among peasants who lost their homes or lives.

The average age of soldiers was 19, with the draft implemented widely.
Many young men were reluctant to fight in Vietnam, leading to bitterness over the draft age inequality.
The voting age was eventually lowered from 21 to 18 in 1971 to address this discrepancy.
Soldiers lived in harsh conditions: jungles, swamps, heat, and rain; guerrilla warfare meant constant danger.
Drug use, including marijuana, became common among troops seeking to cope with stress and difficult living conditions.

The Vietnam War was the first conflict broadcasted on television, termed the "living room war."
Many Americans witnessed the violence and suffering firsthand, leading to widespread calls for an end to the war.
Arguments arose over the war's impractibility and financial burden:
- Hawks: Advocated for military power to escalate and end the conflict quickly.
- Doves: Argued for withdrawal or a reduction in U.S. involvement.

Draft dodging became prevalent, with thousands avoiding the draft, especially among college students.
The previous generation criticized perceived cowardice, leading to social tension.
LBJ faced criticism from both hawks and doves for his inability to satisfy either side's demands.
Young protesters famously chanted slogans against him, indicating discontent, contributing to his decision not to run for a second term.

During the 1960s, universities witnessed over 200 protests.
Youth expressed grievances over the "generation gap" and loss of trust in those over 30.
Notable events included:
- 1964: UC Berkeley's free speech movement.
- 1968: Columbia University protests against war research.
- 1970: Kent State protests where National Guard clashed with protesters, resulting in the deaths of four students.

The counterculture movement, particularly represented by hippies, rejected mainstream societal values.
Key characteristics included:
- Long hair, colorful attire, and usage of recreational drugs.
- A push for sexual freedom and communal living.
- The prominence of rock music encapsulated their ethos with bands like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Grateful Dead.
The 1969 Woodstock Festival symbolized the essence of the counterculture.

Homosexual individuals typically kept their identities private to evade discrimination.
The 1960s sparked a movement towards rights recognition.
The 1969 Stonewall Riot marked a pivotal moment where patrons of a gay bar fought back against police raids, igniting broader activism.
By the 1970s, significant advancements had occurred, including the American Psychiatric Association's decision in 1973 to stop classifying homosexuality as a mental disorder.

Renowned actor known for roles in TV shows such as Perry Mason and Ironside.
Prioritized keeping his sexual identity secret due to fear of career repercussions.
Engaged in public relations efforts, including staging dates with female co-stars, to maintain appearances.
His true identity remained largely undisclosed until his death in 1993.

Awareness of environmental issues surged, particularly regarding pollution and waste management.
Rachel Carson's Silent Spring raised alarms about pesticide impacts and wildlife extinction.
In 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established, instituting federal regulations on waste and water management.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was also formed to ensure safer workplace conditions, reflecting successful labor union efforts.

Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique critically examined the expectations placed upon women as housewives.
Advocated for expanded opportunities and autonomy for women, challenging societal norms.
Promoted the idea of using the title "Ms." for women, irrespective of marital status.
Addressed serious issues like workplace equality, sexual harassment, and beauty standards, pushing for societal change.
Legal initiatives included the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which ultimately was never ratified, and the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion.