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Explain why opposition in the USA to the Vietnam War increased in the years 1964–73 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
Explain why opposition in the USA to the Vietnam War increased in the years 1964–73. You may use the following in your answer: • My Lai Massacre, 1968 • Kent State ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain why opposition in the USA to the Vietnam War increased in the years 1964–73 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
My Lai Massacre, 1968
Answer
The My Lai Massacre in March 1968 was a significant event that fueled opposition to the Vietnam War. During this incident, U.S. soldiers killed between 347 and 504 unarmed South Vietnamese civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. The revelation of the massacre and the subsequent cover-up exposed the brutal realities of the war to the American public and generated widespread outrage and distrust towards the government. Many people felt that such inhumane acts contradicted the American values of justice and morality, leading to increased protests against the war.
Step 2
Kent State University, 1970
Answer
The Kent State University shooting on May 4, 1970, marked another pivotal moment in the anti-war movement. National Guardsmen opened fire on students protesting the invasion of Cambodia, killing four and injuring nine others. This tragic event shocked the nation and intensified anti-war sentiments, particularly among younger generations. The deaths of students, who were seen as victims of a government crackdown, catalyzed protests across the country and solidified opposition to the war as more Americans recognized the potential for violence to spread beyond Vietnam.
Step 3
Additional Information
Answer
Opposition to the Vietnam War was also driven by various factors beyond these incidents. As more information about the war's progress became available, many Americans grew disillusioned as they saw that the war was not being won despite significant military investment. The media began to portray the harsh realities of the conflict through graphic images and reports, contributing to public skepticism. Additionally, anti-war activists organized numerous demonstrations, educational events, and public speeches that helped raise awareness of the social and economic costs of the war, deepening public opposition in the late 1960s and early 1970s.