Vietnam Draft Board Raids, Part 1
Stuff You Missed in History Class
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Acts of Conscience: Protest Against the Vietnam Draft
This chapter examines early protests against the Vietnam draft, including significant acts of vandalism targeted at draft boards. It highlights the Baltimore Four and Catonsville Nine, focusing on their motivations and the ramifications of their dramatic actions. The discussion also touches on the personal sacrifices made during their trials and how these protests contributed to a larger anti-war movement.
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The draft board raids were part of an antiwar movement, largely grounded in Catholic religious convictions, that spanned almost four years. Part one covers the basic context of the Vietnam War and why the U.S. was involved in the first place, and the earliest raids on draft boards.
Research:
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- Zunes, Stephen and Jesse Laird. “The US Anti-Vietnam War Movement (1964-1973).” International Center on Nonviolent Conflict. January 2010. https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/us-anti-vietnam-war-movement-1964-1973/
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