As shown from the various maps placed about this website, it can be concluded that the anti-war effort swept across the nation, and its ferocity was like the breath of a dragon. The 1960s was the era of breaking the rules--not only because people rejected authority, but because it was the right thing to do. American soldiers were dying in Vietnam in larger numbers by the day. And for what? To stop the "domino effect"? The anti-war protesters saw the faults in their government's plans and attempted to express their discontent with American involvement in Vietnam. The United States had a surplus of domestic problems it had to tend to, such as Civil Rights. It was an unnecessary and devastating war that stole the lives of thousands of Americans who didn't know what they were fighting for. If that isn't an injustice, then it's difficult to understand what is.
Short term Effects
Well into the beginning of the 1970s people were still furious with the government and its involvement in the Vietnam War. John Lennon split from the Beatles and formed a and with his girlfriend, Yoko Ono and produced some of the most famous anti-war anthems, such as Imagine. Once the Vietnam War ended in 1975 the anti-war protests and the hippie-movement essentially faded away and became a part of people's memories. However, rock and roll was still pumping out powerful music that was idolized by many generations following the 1960s: especially the 1970s and the 1990s. Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and other rock groups reached their peaks in the 70s and got their adrenaline boost from the 1960s.
Perhaps one of the most devastating short term effect of the anti-war protests was the sad fact that soldiers were not treated as American heroes as they returned from Vietnam. It was the first war America had lost, and the traditional American people were not keen on losing. The fantasies of having parades of screaming, excited people and waving American flags became a figment of the American soldiers imaginations. The anti-Vietnam war movement is often considered to have been a major factor affecting America's involvement in the war itself, as well. Many Vietnam veterans, including Secretary of State and former U.S. Senator John Kerry and disabled veteran Ron Kovic, spoke out against the Vietnam War on their return to the United States.
Perhaps one of the most devastating short term effect of the anti-war protests was the sad fact that soldiers were not treated as American heroes as they returned from Vietnam. It was the first war America had lost, and the traditional American people were not keen on losing. The fantasies of having parades of screaming, excited people and waving American flags became a figment of the American soldiers imaginations. The anti-Vietnam war movement is often considered to have been a major factor affecting America's involvement in the war itself, as well. Many Vietnam veterans, including Secretary of State and former U.S. Senator John Kerry and disabled veteran Ron Kovic, spoke out against the Vietnam War on their return to the United States.
Long Term Effects
The long term effects of the anti-war movement in the 1960s is abundant. Unlike the forgotten Korean War, Vietnam and all those who suffered losses were not to be forgotten. Several war-films have been made portraying the events that occurred in Vietnam, such as the Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now, and Platoon. The anti-war movement also stimulated an insurgence of rock and roll that fought on until the end of the 20th century. The Beatles are still popular even today. The music and leaders of the anti-war movement inspired political leaders, emerging musical groups, and ordinary civilians.
The movements and strategies used by the SDS to attract a mass of people towards a cause was also used in further demonstrations in American history, such as the March on Wall Street in 2009, or the efforts for peace in New York City after September 11th.
University of California Berkeley is still known as being a birkenstock wearing, hippie friendly school to this day. Woodstock is still remembered as being one of the most famous concerts in the history of the world. All of these events occurred in the mist of a terrible war and people passionate and brave enough to speak up against it.
A particularly abundant notion that still lives on from the 1960s and 1970s is "do not trust the government". The skepticism of the United States government escalated particularly in the Watergate Incident during the Nixon administration and also in the Bush administration when conspiracy theories arose abruptly concerning 9/11.
Entertainment-wise, the 1960s is seen as a turbulent and tumultuous time that is an interesting backdrop or setting for several films. Forrest Gump, Dazed and Confused, Across the Universe, Almost Famous, the Big Lebowski, Woodstock (music documentary), and Easy Rider are just a handful of the movies that made that were influenced by the 1960s.
Though the 1960s is decades behind us, it will forever leave its fingerprints on the history of the United States of America.
The movements and strategies used by the SDS to attract a mass of people towards a cause was also used in further demonstrations in American history, such as the March on Wall Street in 2009, or the efforts for peace in New York City after September 11th.
University of California Berkeley is still known as being a birkenstock wearing, hippie friendly school to this day. Woodstock is still remembered as being one of the most famous concerts in the history of the world. All of these events occurred in the mist of a terrible war and people passionate and brave enough to speak up against it.
A particularly abundant notion that still lives on from the 1960s and 1970s is "do not trust the government". The skepticism of the United States government escalated particularly in the Watergate Incident during the Nixon administration and also in the Bush administration when conspiracy theories arose abruptly concerning 9/11.
Entertainment-wise, the 1960s is seen as a turbulent and tumultuous time that is an interesting backdrop or setting for several films. Forrest Gump, Dazed and Confused, Across the Universe, Almost Famous, the Big Lebowski, Woodstock (music documentary), and Easy Rider are just a handful of the movies that made that were influenced by the 1960s.
Though the 1960s is decades behind us, it will forever leave its fingerprints on the history of the United States of America.