Discuss how successful the antiwar movement was in changing the course of the war. What methods did they use? How did the movement view freedom and the war?
Which war?
Sorry its about Vietnam in the 60's.
The success of the antiwar movement in changing the course of the war can be analyzed by examining the methods used and the movement's view on freedom and the war. To understand their impact, it is important to take into account both the tangible outcomes and the broader societal influence of the movement.
1. Methods used by the antiwar movement:
a. Protests and Demonstrations: The antiwar movement organized numerous large-scale protests and demonstrations throughout the United States. Notable examples include the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam in 1969, which saw massive protests across the nation, and the Kent State shootings in 1970, where four students were killed during an antiwar protest.
b. Civil Disobedience: Some activists engaged in acts of civil disobedience, such as draft card burnings or intentional evasion of the draft, as a means to disrupt and resist the war effort.
c. Media and Communication: The movement utilized various media platforms to raise awareness and sway public opinion. Activists wrote articles, published newspapers, produced documentaries, and utilized music and art to convey their antiwar message.
d. Political Engagement: The movement aimed to influence policy decisions and elect antiwar politicians by endorsing candidates, lobbying, and organizing grassroots campaigns.
2. View of freedom and the war:
The antiwar movement saw the Vietnam War as a violation of the principles of freedom and democracy. They believed that the war was an unjustifiable extension of American militarism, imperialism, and aggression. The movement argued that sending young people to fight and die in a distant and unpopular war was a direct infringement on personal freedom. Moreover, they questioned the government's honesty in presenting the war as necessary for national security.
3. Impact and Success:
a. Public Opinion: The antiwar movement successfully shifted public opinion against the war. As casualty numbers rose and the true nature of the conflict was exposed, more Americans began to oppose U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
b. Pressure on Politicians: The movement's efforts influenced politicians to reevaluate their stance on the war. Some politicians, including senators and congressmen, became vocal critics of the war due to the pressure exerted by antiwar activists and their constituents.
c. Legislative Changes: The movement's influence led to significant legislative changes. The repeal of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1970, for instance, underscored the growing dissent in Congress regarding the war and limited executive authority in military actions.
d. Ending the War: The antiwar movement played a role in pressuring the government to negotiate a peace settlement and ultimately contributed to the end of U.S. involvement in Vietnam in 1973.
Overall, the antiwar movement's success can be seen through its impact on public opinion, political discourse, legislative changes, and ultimately the cessation of American military involvement in Vietnam. By employing various methods, the movement effectively challenged the government's policy and encouraged a national conversation on the war.