HIST 1493 Final Review
What impact did the Vietnam War have on domestic politics? In other words, how did the war shape the politics of the 1960s?
-America no longer wanted to be in war. They felt the WWII ending had led straight into the Vietnam war and young soldiers dying was not what America desired.
Who were Ho Chi Minh and Ngo Dinh Diem, and why were they so important to the story?
-Ho Chi Minh was a communist leader in Vietnam who fought to liberate from French rule. -Ngo Dinh Diem was a leader backed financially/politically by the United States simply because he was not a communist. -Both were fighting to be president deciding whether Vietnam falls into communism. Ho Chi Minh was the people's choice, fighting to kick out European rule. The country later split under the mindset that there could not be a fair election and Diem won under a fishy election. This caused a war that eventually Minh won. It eventually fell apart more so for the United States investment when Diem showed signs of aggression with persecution of Buddhists' and ending local election and ending newspapers- not as democratic as first appeared.
What are the various strands of political culture in America in the 1960s?
-Independent party: George Wallace and his appeal to the south with his pro-segregation beliefs and similar ideology of the conservative party. -Democratic: appealing to racial/sexual minorities, becoming the party of change with focusing on civil rights. Aimed towards providing benefits for the poor, elder, people of color, and women. Medicare and Medicaid are two examples -Conservative party: In the 60's had little presidential impact- no presidents. Although, they did gain firm support from the South in the 60s. They focused on individual liberty, protection of rights and overall suspicion of government.
Here take a look at the slides on the "Southern Manifesto" in the lecture "Freedom Now: Civil Rights, 1955-1968."
-southern states around the belief that Brown encroached "upon the reserved rights of the states and the people." The goal was for southern states to reject Brown and forestall school integration by all possible -"The original Constitution does not mention education. Neither does the 14th Amendment nor any other amendment. The debates preceding the submission of the 14th Amendment clearly show that there was no intent that it should affect the system of education maintained by the States." -"This unwarranted exercise of power by the Court, contrary to the Constitution, is creating chaos and confusion in the States principally affected. It is destroying the amicable relations between the white and Negro races that have been created through 90 years of patient effort by the good people of both races. It has planted hatred and suspicion where there has been heretofore friendship and understanding."
What were three key Warren Court decisions?
1. They brought in "one man, one vote" allowing all citizens to vote in America 2. Brown v Board of Education in 1954 that struck down segregation in schools as unconstitutional 3. District v. Schempp on June 17, 1963 - the Supreme Court declared school-sponsored prayer and Bible readings unconstitutional.
What happened to the Democratic Party during 1968, and why was the Vietnam War so central to the chaos that engulfed the Democratic Convention?
As delegates flowed into the International Amphitheatre to nominate a Democratic Party presidential candidate, tens of thousands of protesters swarmed the streets to rally against the Vietnam War and the political status quo. By the time Vice President Herbert Humphrey received the presidential nomination, the strife within the Democratic Party was laid bare and the streets of Chicago had seen riots and bloodshed involving protesters, police and bystanders alike, radically changing America's political and social landscape.
In the lecture titled "Vietnam, 1964-1975, read carefully the two slides quoting George Ball's reservations about escalating the war in Vietnam. Was he right?
Ball's contention was that going into South Vietnam to fight would be devastating because of how terrible the terrain is, as well as South Vietnam being a lost cause politically; and looking back, Ball was absolutely right.
How did the positions taken by Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, and the Black Panthers differ from that of King and his followers?
Both King and Malcom X wanted the same goal of people of color having the ability to choose their own destiny. What differed was MLK was a verbal protestor who advocated walkouts and nonviolent protests. Malcom X had a much more radical approach of physical resistance in order to make a statement, not by begging to become part of white society. Malcom X was much more anti-white than King was. He wanted black communities to have sufficient housing and education provided by the government for putting them through hardship. He wanted the African Americans to rely on themselves and their economy to no longer be discriminated against by the white businessman. He called for all black people to be taken out of jail for the unfair jury system they faced and to no longer be enlisted in the military fighting for a country that doesn't treat them as equals.
Be sure to discuss key events and people in the history of the civil rights movement—e.g., Brown v. Board of Education, Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Sit-in Movement, Freedom Riders, Birmingham and "Bull" Connor, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Brown V Board of education: segregated schools are not constitutional -Bus Boycott: boycott mostly from African American in response from having to sit in the back hurting the bus company profit. -Freedom Rider: Northerners who went into the south to protest the south not abiding segregation laws. - Birmingham and "Bull" Connor: He was a southerner denying civil right to blacks, becoming a symbol of institutional racism -the Civil Rights Act of 1964: outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. -Voting Rights Act of 1965: prohibits racial discrimination in voting.
Some argue the 1960s (the "long" 1960s from roughly 1960-1974) represent the triumph of liberalism; others point to more fundamental challenges to American culture represented by various radical movements; still others argue that the 1960s saw the dawning of a new era of conservative politics? How can this be so?
During this period, the liberal party was taking on new values, which is why it was called the "new left". The new left sought after reforms for big businesses and government. Also passing the Voting right act and civil right act bringing much popularity amongst African Americans and women. -This was also an era of progress for the conservatives. Following George Wallace, conservatives started targeting "the silent majority." Therefore, causing many previous democratic southerners to switch over to conservative. Although they did not have presidential influence in the 60's with Kennedy and Johnson as president, they laid the grounds of the conservative party during this era that would set them up for future success in the next decade.
What beliefs were at the core of King's political philosophy?
Equal distribution of wealth and opportunity for work for African American to become more involved in the community. Calling for people of color to seek education and take up spots in America that'll make them respected.
In what way was the movement identified with the efforts of Martin Luther King, Jr. and in what ways did the movement transcend his efforts?
He advocated for peaceful protests, with no violence for the African American community. The efforts were often strategic with walkout or boycotts as a response to segregation, transcending his message through speeches.
What role does George Wallace play in shaping the politics of the right? From where did he draw his sources of support?
He agreed with segregation and often aligned many of his views with conservatism such as low taxes and less government influence on individuals. His main supporters were white southerners.
Be sure to watch the video "King and the War, 1967." Why does Dr. King speak out against the war?
He feels silence is the trail. That it's a society invested in war. That the war is an enemy of the poor, we are not focusing on our people. It's sending their sons and husbands of these families to die in war. Black men already crippled from society getting a harder start. We send black men to fight and die with white men but can't sit together at schools. We praise nonviolence but kill innocent Vietnamese children. He feels America is arrogant in their ways focusing on other priority.
Relevant Primary Document: How does document #172, "Malcolm X: The Ballot or the Bullet" help us understand the nature of his thinking?
He mentions that African Americans should partake in their newfound voting rights and be involved in government. Although, if racial issues do not change, it'll be time for African American to take up arms and fight for their rights.
How did the movement for black freedom begin to change in the mid- to late 1960s?
In response, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Acts of 1965. Southern states and private citizens could no longer deprive African Americans the rights to equal facilities and to vote without unfair obstacles.
What happened at Kent State?
It was a protest over the bombing in Cambodia. Eventually, the national guard was brought in to end the protests. After the protesters refused to leave, the police used flash bangs and gas. Eventually, shots were fired at students, killing 4 and injuring 9 people.
Why did U.S. troops in Vietnam find the war so difficult to fight?
It was a war without boundaries. The enemy was not secluded to one central area like previous wars. They were scattered across Vietnam. Also, you didn't know your enemy. They were not in distinct outfits, and were not known who the enemy was. They used Guerrilla warfare so they had difficulty finding the enemy and having militarized plans.
What arguments were made against the war by protesters?
It was immoral: support corrupt government -Americans were dying in place of Asian soldiers. -Killing civilians not involved in the war -Only the working class was suffering
As part of your understanding of the history of the Vietnam War, be sure you can discuss how Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon each contributed to the course of the Vietnam War.
Kennedy had a very anti-communist mindset. He felt the USA must keep the S.Vietnam from falling into communism. Johnson wanted to follow Kennedy's plan by increasing mobile troops and bombing. Johnson was able to avoid congress under the basis that it was needed to protect U.S. soldiers- Gulf of Tonkin. Nixon ran his campaign on ending the war in Vietnam. Although, it wasn't that simple, it took five years to end the war and the "peace with honor mentality".
Why did anti-Vietnam War protest emerge, and what impact did such protest have on American politics?
Martin Luther King was angered that mostly people of color were sent to the battle lines first more so than whites. Tying in racial issues into the debate of this war. -American realized how immoral this war became supporting a corrupt government and not proving a positive influence for betterment, but simply just trying to win: killing innocents and destroying land. -Veterans were coming home and it was becoming known to the outside world how corrupt this war was and how far off the truth was from this war.
Finally, what lessons can be drawn from the American experience in Vietnam?
Modern weapons don't always lead to victory. Not knowing the terrain of Vietnam put the U.S. at a severe disadvantage.
What role did the University of Oklahoma play in the desegregation battle? For information on this point, consult David Levy, "Before Brown: The Racial Integration of American Higher Education."
Norman was a city famed in the early 60's amongst its mostly white society for never having a black person sleep in city limits. Therefore, the community was not quick to accept segregation and the steps to adapt. First of all, Oklahoma was not a state during the civil war but often had many values in law that aligned with the deep south. The University of Oklahoma relied on Langston University as their segregated higher education school, but was entirely funded poorly compared to that of the white facilities. Although, it was held that the facilities were entirely unconstitutional- not being equal. Therefore, McLauren was accepted into the Oklahoma law program but was not allowed to sit with the students having his own desk in the corner and his own areas away from the white students.
How does Chester Pach's essay, "And That's the Way It Was: The Vietnam War on the Network Nightly News," help us understand the way the networks presented the war to the American public?
Pach contends that television coverage of the war was limited, yet, they illustrated the confusion and fragmentation that really described the war.
Discuss the key developments in the history of Civil Rights in the post-World War II period? Why did the movement development when it did?
People of color were now allowed to vote and take spots in congress, MLK says this era must be revolutionist and focus upon the society as a whole to change. He felt we should evaluate the distribution of wealth and find ways to better all American citizens, providing equal opportunity to all Americans. African Americans were seeing the little effects of integrating schools and society With leader such as Malcom X and MLK calling for blacks to fight for a better destiny protest became more frequent in the fight for equality.
For example, how did Martin Luther King's "Poor People's Campaign," urban rebellions, "black power," "Red Power," the New Left, radical feminism, and the counterculture challenge traditional politics?
Poor People's Campaign: Aiming at the large business owners to no longer claim so much of America's money and spread it out across the poor. -urban rebellions: protests were ending up being violent with police abuse, causing the priority of racial issues to explode over racial issue and police violence. Along with these protests, other movement stepped in during this time such as the women's movement. -"black power: African Americans were targeting corrupt policies in the government and heavily found in the state with state law. -Red Power:social movement led by Native American youth to demand self-determination for Native Americans in the United States. -the New Left: They looked at the constitution and re-evaluated what they found unconstitutional and changed racial laws in state governments and federal. -radical feminism: They wanted to be part of the workforce, and able to decide their own future outside of the traditional view of women being in the home . -counterculture challenge traditional politics: No longer did everyone dress the same. They were challenging society and the man. No longer wanting war and to be the world power through force but praised peace. Often leaving society and living together in nature and devaluing the hard working man mentality of America
For example, why was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution so important for Johnson?
Senate resolution authorized the President to take "all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression, which functioned as a Declaration of War without a formal declaration.
What was "massive resistance" and how did Southern whites fight the Brown decision?"
Southern states closed schools to prevent segregation and a statement to congress. Similarly, all white private schools became larger and many white kids were sent there instead of unsegregated schools. Some states simply denied the policy, such as Central High School in Little Rock Arkansas; denied the students of color into their schools with Mayor Faubus calling in the National Guard to block of the entrances until President Eisenhower called in the troops showing he will not stand down on his decision on segregation. -States were not giving out teacher's licenses. -Many southerners felt this completely devalues their southern way of life
Watch the video, "Kent State, May 4, 1970." What lessons, if any, did the U.S. learn from the Vietnam War?
That the voice of the people is what makes a democracy work. Students were outraged after seeing young Americans dying over a corrupt man (Diem) in Vietnam. Therefore, in moments when their voices are trying to be heard, and legally, attacking with violence causes more outrage.
Watch the video titled "Police and Protesters: Chicago, August 1968. What images does this video leave you of the Democratic Convention?
The Democratic Convention was divided and in such a need for order that they ended the convention, choosing their candidate, with protestors in the streets of Chicago. The protesters chanting anti-war propaganda was quickly faced with a large army of police. It quickly became a riot with many anti-war protestors preaching an end to violence, being beaten in the streets.
On this point, see James A. Hijiya, "The Conservative 1960s."
The Right: They stress the importance of their elders. They are the upcoming conservatives source of income and way into politics. It is a structured program often instituting long term plans for its political figure. -The left: They are not as reliant on their elders often focusing upon ways to change policies or offer new ones. It is a much more urgent party focusing on the now and not as much long term.
Why is it necessary to go back to World War II to understand the Vietnam War? Why, too, is it necessary to understand events in the 1950s before you can fully understand the meaning of the escalation of U.S. ground forces in the 1960s? In the minds of U.S. policy makers, what was at stake in Vietnam?
The Vietnam War was rationalized by the Domino Theory and Containment, two ideas highly popular to Winston Churchill and other western leaders. During WW 2, the French lost control of French Indochina to the Japanese. Additionally, Ho Chi Minh pushes for independence from France during the WW 2 era. The Geneva Accords, as well as Diem calling off the Vietnamese election of 1956, both influenced the escalation of U.S. forces in the 1960s. To the U.S., the spread of Communism across Vietnam was at stake, giving the Soviets an edge in the Cold War.
How is the Vietnam War related to larger Cold War policies, particularly the lessons of Munich, the "containment" doctrine, and the "domino theory"?
The containment focused on ending the spread of communism beliefs. -Domino theory is if countries are located near a communist country, they are likely to fall into communism eventually. -After the battle of Diebienphu, French gave up and left the U.S. in the driver seat of fighting/funding this war.
What of Nixon and his "Southern Strategy?" What is he doing to woo traditional white Democrats to the Republican Party? Where does the controversy over busing fit in?
The southern strategy was a way to switch over voters to the conservative party, giving Nixon a firm ground to run on. He already had many switch to conservative views after Wallace failed to win as an independent. Nixon won over more southerners by giving speeches on the basis of law and order and states rights. - Busing was controversial because the white southerners did not agree with it. Nixon felt busing should be used in certain circumstances to promote non- segregation in communities and school.
Why does Ball think escalating U.S. troop involvement is a bad idea?
The terrain is not in their favor. The enemies know the land and how to fight in it and the Americans do not. It is smart to not fight a battle if you do not have the assets to succeed
In what ways do the Great Society of Lyndon Johnson and the Supreme Court decisions under Chief Justice Earl Warren suggest the triumph of liberal assumptions?
They were able to pass bills that provoked change in America. They provided a healthcare system that greatly benefited the poor and elderly. Also passing bills banning segregation and racism in schools and the workplace.
So, too, why is the National Liberation Front (Viet Cong) so important in the history of the Vietnam War?
This was an army mostly based in S. Vietnam who did not back Diem. They wanted no more European influences and for all Vietnam to be free of foreign rule. They used guerilla warfare, making them blend in with the community, which posed constant threats and a new style of warfare that S. Vietamese army and United States couldn't defeat. They were not in uniform, they would smile and wave one moment and be aiming down a barrel another. Quickly shining light of America accepting their is no way to conquer Vietnam without mass nuclear death or more soldiers dying. The Viet Cong ended up on the winning side when Diem government collapsed to S. Vietnam uniting Vietnam into a united communist nation.
Despite all the tumult on the Left in the 1960s, how did conservatives lay the groundwork for their future ascendency in the decade of the 1960s?
While the left focused on social reform, the conservatives focused on preserving individual liberty, defending Judeo-Christian values and general distrust in government. They used these values to firmly take the South from the Left in the 1960s.
How does the essay by Carrie Pitzulo, "The Battle in Every Man's Bed: `Playboy and the Fiery Feminists," help us understand some of the tensions about gender in the postwar years?
Women were wanting more independence in society. They wanted to be able to have say over their own body with the pill and abortion. They wanted to be viewed as equal to a man. Tensions were mixed towards playboy and Hefner putting women in a sexual light. He does preach for women choice and their rights.
Did King begin to stake out more radical positions? What made these positions more radical?
Yes, King sought more influence by the government to provide for the people. Most notably, the "Poor People" campaign where King brought up too many of his most radical ideas, such as distribution of wealth. He also felt the government should step in to provide jobs for people needing assistance and having more of a say in their personal lives. He also wanted a national guaranteed income for everyone distributing the wealth to end poverty, but also give less freedoms to the people dictating how their money will be spent to better others without their own choice- government has the say.
Building on these changes, given new wings by the battle over the ERA, the rise of evangelical Christianity, the migration to the sunbelt, a tax revolt that started in California, and disillusionment with government thanks to Watergate, could one argue that Ronald Reagan fundamentally changed the debate about the role of government in American culture and, in doing so, ushered into American culture a conservative counter-revolution that stood in stark opposition to the changes of the 1960s?
Yes, the government was previously corrupt with power and hiding information from its people. Although this was a period of change, it still angered many people having such drastic change from the government. He changed the way people viewed their role: the government listens to the people not the people listen to the government.
Can it be said that Reagan's election was the culmination of long-simmering changes in American life, the intimations of which were first visible in the Goldwater campaign of 1964 and then, more saliently, in the Nixon years, 1968-1974.
Yes. The bands on business were lifted and promoted capitalism and big business. Nixon also imposed a period of lack of government faith and he preached limiting taxes to drain the beast. He gained more support from the sunbelt coming into the election with previous southern whites disagreeing with democratic views.
Why is the 1964 Civil Rights Act so important?
a landmark civil rights and labor law in the United States that outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a major stepping stone for women banning discrimination in the workplace.
What impact did the Tet Offensive have on domestic politics?
the Tet Offensive led many Americans to begin seriously questioning Johnson's honesty, and to wonder whether American military might could truly prevail over the communist threat on foreign shores.