Discuss how successful the antiwar movement was in changing the course of the war. What methods did they use? How did the movement view the freedom and the war?
Thank you for your help
Which antiwar movement? When? Where?
Sorry the AntiWar movement in Vietnam...in the 1960s
http://www.google.com/search?q=anti-war+vietnam&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
Read carefully.
The success of the antiwar movement in changing the course of the war can be evaluated from different perspectives. A thorough understanding of this topic is essential, so let's break it down step by step.
1. Evaluating the Success:
To examine the impact of the antiwar movement on changing the course of the war, it is crucial to consider several factors:
a) Public Opinion: The movement significantly influenced the public sentiment regarding the Vietnam War. Protests, demonstrations, and rallies attracted considerable media attention, leading to increased public awareness and discussion about the war. As public support dwindled, policymakers faced mounting pressure to reconsider their approach.
b) Politician Support: The antiwar movement also succeeded in galvanizing the support of key politicians who became vocal critics of the war. For example, Senator J. William Fulbright held televised hearings where critics of the war were given a platform to voice their concerns. This helped to shape public opinion and put pressure on the government to reconsider its policies.
c) Policy Changes: Over time, the antiwar movement's efforts translated into significant policy shifts. The Nixon administration, for instance, adopted a policy of Vietnamization, aiming to gradually withdraw U.S. troops while training and equipping the South Vietnamese army. This shift reflected the changing political landscape influenced by the antiwar movement.
However, it is essential to note that while the movement played a crucial role in shaping public sentiment and policy changes, it did not single-handedly end the war.
2. Methods Used:
The antiwar movement employed various methods to convey their message and influence public opinion:
a) Protests and Demonstrations: These were highly visible events where activists marched, held sit-ins, organized teach-ins, and engaged in civil disobedience. Notable examples include the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam and the Kent State protests.
b) Civil Disobedience: Some activists intentionally violated laws or engaged in nonviolent acts of resistance to draw attention to their cause. This included draft card burnings, trespassing into military facilities, and protesting outside government buildings.
c) Media and Grassroots Organization: Activists leveraged media coverage to disseminate their message. They also organized grassroots campaigns, including distributing pamphlets, organizing local chapters, and engaging in door-to-door canvassing.
3. Freedom and the War:
The antiwar movement generally championed the notions of freedom and peace. Activists believed that the war in Vietnam undermined the principles of liberty and democracy. They argued that the war violated the rights of individuals, both American soldiers and Vietnamese civilians, and represented a misguided use of American power.
Additionally, the movement emphasized the importance of preserving freedom of speech and assembly, asserting that dissent and protest were essential to maintaining a democratic society.
In summary, the antiwar movement played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy changes during the Vietnam War. While it did not singularly end the war, it significantly contributed to a shift in public sentiment and government policies. The movement utilized various methods such as protests, civil disobedience, and grassroots organizing. The movement viewed the war as a threat to freedom and peace, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic principles and protect individual rights.