In this deck, we'll explore the final, turbulent years of US involvement in Vietnam. We will examine why so many Americans turned against the war, looking at the student movement, media coverage, and shocking events like the My Lai Massacre. We'll also see why many others, the so-called 'silent majority', continued to support it. Finally, we'll analyse the peace process and the complex reasons for America's ultimate failure in Vietnam.

Opposition to the Vietnam War grew steadily throughout the 1960s. One major source of opposition was the student movement. University campuses became centres of protest, with organisations like Students for a Democratic Society, or SDS, organising rallies and demonstrations. They argued the war was immoral and unjust.

Another key reason for growing opposition was media coverage. For the first time, television brought the brutal reality of combat into American homes, leading to the conflict being called the 'living-room war'. Images of civilian casualties and wounded soldiers contradicted the government's optimistic reports, creating a 'credibility gap' and making people question the war.

The draft system, which required young men to serve in the military, was also deeply unpopular. It was seen as unfair because wealthy, often white, students could get 'deferments' to avoid service by staying in college. This meant that a disproportionate number of soldiers were from poorer and minority backgrounds, which fuelled anger and protest.