Between 1964 and 1973, millions of Americans took part in a countless number of protests against the Vietnam War. With thousands of young American soldiers being killed every year, the protests and opposition became the fabric of this social movement that defined a generation. In 1965, a small group of students in Des Moines, Iowa made a clothing decision that would soon result in a landmark Supreme Court decision.
There were many protests against the Vietnam War during the 1960s. Have students illustrate some of these!
Storyboard Text
DRAFT CARD BURNING
WAR IS THE CRIME!PEACE IN VIETNAM!
KENT STATE (1970)
Four Dead In OhioSoldiers Open Fire On Kent State Students
MARCH AGAINST THE VIETNAM WAR (1965)
Draft card burning was a symbolic protest throughout America during the Vietnam War. Thousands of young men participated in the controversial protest of burning their draft cards in opposition of the war. The Supreme Court would ultimately decide that draft card burning is not protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution.
On May 4th, 1970, members of the Ohio National Guard opened fire on student protestors at Kent State University. By the time the smoke cleared, four students were dead and nine were injured. The Kent State shooting brought further political and social divides towards this already controversial war in Vietnam.
On April 17th, 1965, the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) organized a massive march and protest against the Vietnam War in Washington D.C. With over 20,000 people taking part in the protest, it marked the largest protest against the Vietnam War.