Oral+History+Research

**Interview subject** - Greg Bultman (Matt's Father)
 * Topic** - The Vietnam War Protest

In 1965, the United States entered the Vietnam War. However, it wasn't until 1968 that protesting was at it's highest. The Vietnam War was a conflict not only on the battle field, but in the hearts-- and on the streets-- of the American people.

With media coverage of the Vietnam War showing the bloodiest of battles to all willing to watch, protests were held everywhere from schools to outside the White House showing their dislike of this war. Protesters were young and old, men and women, high and low class. They felt that the war was a waste of human life, on both sides. Many didn't even understand why the government was sending their families to Vietnam.

While eating dinner with family, if the TV was on, many were greeted by the sight of battle. While walking to school, you could witness a march being held by Anti-War protesters. While turning on the radio, all that heard would hear protest songs. The many Americans had shown how they hated the Vietnam War, and daily life reflected all protests being held.

Events such as the Kent State Massacre united the public that, after watching the Civil Rights Movement, believed the world could become a world of peace. This unification brought a widespread hatred of the war because all sorts of people wer against it. So the Anti-War Movement had arrived.

The Anti-War Movement used Yippies, Hippies, students, pacifists, singers, and ordinary citizens to help try to end the war. They protested with the use of sit-ins, marches, draft burnings, and parades. The media that had shown them images of the war began showing images of the Movement. As it picked up speed, politicians saw how unpopular the war was and rushed to pull out troops while getting rid of the communist government in Vietnam, and keep the public happy.

MEDIA:

Protest Photo:

This is an example of one method of protest- burning your draft card.

Footage of a Newsreel From the Time:

media type="custom" key="6296297"

Citations:

Barringer, Mark. "The Anti-War Movement in the United States." (1999) Web. 2 Jun 2010. .

"antiwar movement." //American History//. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 2 June 2010. [|http://www.americanhistory.abc-clio.com].

"Kent State University shootings." //American History//. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 2 June 2010. [|http://www.americanhistory.abc-clio.com].