The Anti-War Movement

The anti-war movement is the perfect topic for 1-2 paragraphs when discussing LBJ and his foreign policy approach because the movement itself really parallels Johnson's presidency. The movement grows as Johnson's approach to foreign policy gets weaker. Let's take a look at what drove the anti-war movement, what it looked like, and how it impacted Johnson's presidency.

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"Hey, Hey, LBJ, How Many Kids did you Kill Today?"

A popular protest chant that symbolises the feelings of the American people towards Johnson and his approach to Vietnam in the mid-late 1960s.

The Anti-War Movement in the United States was a critical aspect of the social and political landscape during the Vietnam War, significantly influencing President Lyndon B. Johnson's administration. The movement comprised various groups and individuals, including students, civil rights activists, and intellectuals, who opposed the war for multiple reasons, ranging from moral and ethical concerns to political and economic objections.

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Emergence and Growth of the Anti-War Movement

The movement began in the early 1960s and gained momentum as the war escalated. Early protests were small and focused on raising awareness, but as U.S. involvement in Vietnam increased, so did the scale and intensity of the protests.

• Students for a Democratic Society (SDS): One of the most prominent anti-war groups, the SDS organised numerous protests and marches, including the first major anti-war rally in Washington, D.C., in April 1965.
• Civil Rights Leaders: Figures like Martin Luther King Jr. linked the war to broader social justice issues, arguing that the resources spent on the war could be better used to address poverty and racial inequality at home.

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Reasons for Opposition

• Many Americans viewed the war as unjust and immoral, especially in light of the high civilian casualties and reports of atrocities like the My Lai Massacre.
• The war was expensive, diverting funds from domestic programs like Johnson's Great Society initiatives aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice.
• As the war dragged on with no clear victory in sight, Americans grew increasingly disillusioned with the government's handling of the conflict, leading to a broader questioning of U.S. foreign policy.

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The Draft

The draft, or conscription, was a major point of contention. The Selective Service System required young men to register for potential military service, and many were drafted to fight in Vietnam.

• The draft disproportionately affected lower-income and minority communities, as wealthier individuals could often avoid service through college deferments or other means.
• Many young men resisted the draft by burning draft cards, fleeing to Canada, or seeking conscientious objector status. High-profile cases, like that of boxer Muhammad Ali, who refused to be drafted, brought national attention to the issue.

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Kent State University

The anti-war movement reached a tragic climax on May 4, 1970, at Kent State University in Ohio. During a protest against the U.S. invasion of Cambodia, National Guardsmen opened fire on unarmed students, killing four and wounding nine.

• The Kent State shootings shocked the nation and galvanized the anti-war movement. The event highlighted the deep divisions within American society and the government's increasingly aggressive response to dissent.
• Neil Young's song "Ohio" captured the national mood: "Tin soldiers and Nixon coming, we're finally on our own. This summer I hear the drumming, four dead in Ohio."

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Protests and Public Opinion

Protests against the Vietnam War were widespread and varied, from peaceful marches and teach-ins to more radical actions like occupying university buildings or confronting police.

• Large-scale demonstrations, such as the October 1967 March on the Pentagon and the November 1969 Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, drew hundreds of thousands of participants.
• The anti-war sentiment permeated popular culture, influencing music, literature, and film. Songs like Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" and films like "Apocalypse Now" reflected and shaped public attitudes.

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Impact on Johnson

The anti-war movement had a profound impact on President Johnson's presidency. The increasing opposition to the war eroded his political support and credibility.

• Johnson's approval ratings plummeted as the war continued, with many Americans viewing him as responsible for escalating the conflict.
• Facing mounting pressure from both the public and within his own party, Johnson announced in March 1968 that he would not seek re-election. His decision marked a significant turning point in the war and American politics.

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