Reaction to Vietnam War Media and Its Impact on Public Perception
Yesterday's class video on the Vietnam War prompted various reactions discussing the intense air campaign and guerrilla tactics employed during the conflict. From Operation Rolling Thunder to the Tet Offensive, the media's portrayal significantly influenced public sentiment and the burgeoning peace movement. Understanding the contrasting views of the Viet Cong as both farmers and guerrillas underscores the complexities of the war. As we approach final exams, let's delve into how these historical images shaped domestic reactions and fostered widespread protests.
Reaction to Vietnam War Media and Its Impact on Public Perception
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Presentation Transcript
Do Now What was your reaction to the video from yesterday’s class. Explain your answer.
Information • 10 Academic days remaining • Final Exams start June 2 - 3 instructional days before final
Current Events • Giant Fin Whale washes up in California - very large mammal • Baltimore schools - 63 in city and surrounding area with no AC - crowded conditions
Do Now What was your reaction to the video from yesterday’s class. Explain your answer.
The Air War1965-1968 • 1965: Sustained bombing of North Vietnam • Operation Rolling Thunder (March 2, 1965) • 1966-68: Ongoing bombing of Hanoi nonstop for 3 years! Esp. targets the Ho Chi Minh Trail. • Downed Pilots: P.O.W.s • Carpet Bombing – napalm
Who Is the Enemy? • Vietcong: • Farmers by day; guerillas at night. • Very patient people willing to accept many casualties. • The US grossly underestimated their resolve and their resourcefulness. The guerilla wins if he does not lose, the conventional army loses if it does not win. -- Mao Zedong
Guerilla Warfare • Unconventional tactics - booby traps - disguises - urban fighting • Anything that does not follow the normal ‘conventions’ of war
Who Is the Enemy? • Vietcong: • Farmers by day; guerillas at night. • Very patient people willing to accept many casualties. - losses 10:1 in some battles • The U.S. underestimates - farmers with guns? Easy right?
The Tet Offensive, January 1968 • N. Vietnamese Army + Viet Cong - 67000 attack at once - 100 cities, bases, and embassy - unexpected, coordinated attack - Take every major southern city • U.S. + ARVN beat back the offensive • Viet Cong destroyed • N. Vietnamese army debilitated • Portrayed as a defeat; Really? How?
Impact of the Tet Offensive • Domestic U.S. Reaction: Disbelief, Anger, Distrust of Johnson Administration • Peace Movement/Protests - demonstrations across U.S. - media helped intensify this
Exit • How did the media portray the Vietnam War to the American people? • What were the reactions of the people to the images they saw? • How would these reports help the peace movement?
