The anti-war movement - essay plan

							Assess the contribution of the anti-war movement in determining the
outcome of the war in Indochina from the overthrow of Diem to the
withdrawal of US troops from Vietnam in 1975.
  The anti-war movement played a role in determining the outcome of the war in
Indochina, particularly following the Tet Offensive in 1968. However, other factors
were more decisive.

   Opposition to the war only began in earnest when US ground troops arrived in
    South Vietnam in 1965. The problem was, the majority of Americans felt it their
    duty to support the troops in Vietnam, even if they doubted they should be there.
   What gave the anti-war movement its real impetus was the scale of deployment.
    Millions of young men were conscripted, and thousands of these were killed or
    wounded – increasing public awareness of the conflict.
   The Tet Offensive also had a significant impact on public opinion in America. It
    demonstrated that little progress had been made, despite three years of fighting.
    The images sent back to the US – of the VC entering the US embassy, of General
    Loan executing a suspected VC soldier – convinced an increasing number of
    Americans that the war was futile, and that the price of fighting it was too high.
   In 1969, Richard Nixon became president, determined to achieve peace on his
    own terms. However, his decision to abolish draft deferment only helped the anti-
    war movement. Up until that time, the sons of the rich had been able to defer their
    military service if they enrolled at university. Now, everyone had to fight. They
    and their parents now turned against the war.
   Many veterans also joined the anti-war movement at this time. The sight of these
    men tossing their medals away sent a powerful message to America: if the
    soldiers did not support the war, why should anyone else?
   By 1973, Nixon had been forced to withdraw all American troops from
    Indochina, but the anti-war movement’s war was not crucial. In fact, the
    movement was a reaction to a series of perceived failures on the part of the US
    government and its military. These included:
     A misunderstanding of the nature of the conflict (it was assumed to be about
         communism, rather than nationalism).
     Inappropriate of strategy and tactics adopted by the military.
     The advantages enjoyed by the communist forces (such as long borders,
         relatively secure supply lines, and almost unlimited material support from
         Russia and China).
     The gradual disintegration of the US army (due to racism, inequality and
         drug abuse).
     The economic cost the war.
     More than anything, though, the US lacked the will to win in Vietnam.

  Hence, the anti-war movement played a role in ending the conflict by galvanising
public opinion. However, it is possible that the war would still have ended when it did
even if there had been no organised protests. By 1970, Americans wanted out.