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Year 11 - History

Opposition to the Vietnam War in the US

The USA, 1954–75 conflict at home and abroad

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils study a modern society and the issues that affected it in great depth over a shorter period. They learn about the key events, developments, people and stories that shaped this modern society over a period of around twenty to thirty years.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain why opposition to the war grew.

Key Notes

  • Americans protested against the Vietnam War for a variety of reasons.
  • These reasons included the cost in American lives, racism and inequality, expense of the war and how unethical it was.
  • Protests took a variety of forms, such as marches and burning draft cards, but were predominantly peaceful.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • unethical: if something is unethical then it is morally wrong
  • veteran: a veteran is a person who has served in the armed forces
  • protest: a protest is a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something
  • sit-in: a form of protest in which demonstrators occupy a place, refusing to leave until their demands are met
  • teach-in: an extended meeting usually held on a college campus for lectures, debates and discussions to raise awareness of or express a position on a social or political issue.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Everyone who joins the armed forces does so willingly and supports the actions of the government.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

Americans protested against the Vietnam War for a variety of reasons. These reasons included the cost in American lives, racism and inequality, expense of the war and how unethical it was.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'unethical'

if something is unethical then it is morally wrong.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: Everyone who joins the armed forces does so willingly and supports the actions of the government. Correction: Conscription is common around the world, and many people are forced to join the armed forces against their will.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 11 History guide library.