American History

Full Answer Section

Paul Potter, a leader of the SDS, gave a speech in 1965 in which he challenged the government's justification for the war. Potter argued that the war was not about defending democracy, but about protecting American corporate interests in Southeast Asia. He also called for a radical transformation of American society, one that would be based on peace, justice, and equality.

The National Organization for Women (NOW) was founded in 1966 by a group of women who were inspired by the civil rights and antiwar movements. NOW fought for women's equality in all areas of life, including education, employment, and politics. The organization also played a key role in the antiwar movement, arguing that the war was a symbol of male domination and violence.

Barbara and John Ehrenreich's article, "International 1968," provides a global perspective on the antiwar movement. The article argues that 1968 was a year of upheaval and protest around the world, as people challenged the status quo and demanded change. The antiwar movement was a key part of this global revolt, and it helped to bring about the end of the Vietnam War.

The antiwar movement was a diverse movement with a wide range of goals and tactics. However, it was united by its opposition to the Vietnam War and its belief that the war was a moral and political disaster. The movement also reflected a larger youth revolt, the so-called “counterculture” movement, which challenged traditional values and institutions. The antiwar movement and the counterculture movement helped to change the United States in profound ways, and they continue to inspire activists today.

In addition to the readings you mentioned, here are some other resources that you may find helpful:

• The Vietnam War: A History by Stanley Karnow
• Fire in the Streets: America in the Long Sixties by James Miller
• The Sixties: Years of Hope, Days of Rage by Todd Gitlin
• The Counterculture: A Brief History of the Counterculture Movement by Timothy Miller
• The Antiwar Movement of the 1960s by Charles DeBenedetti

Sample Answer

The antiwar movement in the United States grew in influence as the Vietnam War dragged on. This was due to a number of factors, including the increasing number of American casualties, the growing awareness of the war's civilian toll, and the belief that the war was a moral and political quagmire. The antiwar movement was also reflective of a larger youth revolt, the so-called “counterculture” movement, which challenged traditional values and institutions.

The Port Huron Statement, written in 1962 by Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), articulated the goals of the antiwar movement and the counterculture movement. The statement called for a more democratic society, an end to racism and poverty, and a withdrawal from Vietnam. The SDS was one of the leading organizations in the antiwar movement, and its members played a key role in organizing protests and rallies.