Use the excerpt to answer the question:
On March 2, 1965, U.S. aircraft began bombing targets in Vietnam and U.S. troops won victories over enemy forces all through that summer.
The troops were largely made up of young men who were conscripted (drafted) into service in the military.
The draft exempted college students and skilled laborers. This meant that a disproportionate number of draftees were unskilled workers and minorities.
The war quickly became viewed as a "rich man's war, but a poor man's fight."
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A. In 1-2 sentences, explain why many Americans felt that the Vietnam War was a "rich man's war, but a poor man's fight." (3 points)
B. During the war, men were conscripted/drafted into the army, which meant they had to fight in the war even though they did not sign up for military service. Why do you think that college students and skilled laborers (people who need degrees or extensive training for their jobs) were exempted (free from) the military draft? (3 points)
A. Many Americans felt that the Vietnam War was a "rich man's war, but a poor man's fight" because the draft exempted college students and skilled laborers, leading to a disproportionate number of unskilled workers and minorities being drafted to fight in the war. This created a disparity in who was actually fighting on the front lines.
B. College students and skilled laborers were exempted from the military draft because they were considered essential to the economy and society. College students were seen as future leaders and skilled laborers were needed to keep the economy running smoothly. Additionally, their skills and education were considered too valuable to be wasted in combat.