HISTORY This Week
How the Vietnam War Broke Our Trust in Government
Dec 2, 2024
In this discussion with Chris Appy, a history professor and director of the Ellsberg Initiative for Peace and Democracy, the focus is on the 1969 draft lottery and its impact on public trust. Appy explores how the televised nature of the Vietnam War revealed darker truths about government narratives, leading to erosion of faith in leadership. He details pivotal moments like the Tet Offensive and the My Lai Massacre, illustrating their role in fueling dissent. The episode dives into personal stories and the emotional toll this era took on both individuals and society as a whole.
30:56
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Quick takeaways
- The 1969 draft lottery aimed to promote fairness in military service selection but ultimately highlighted ongoing inequalities in the system.
- The Vietnam War significantly diminished public trust in the government, with skepticism towards authority persisting well into future decades.
Deep dives
The Impact of the 1969 Draft Lottery
The 1969 draft lottery represented a pivotal change in how individuals were selected for military service during the Vietnam War, moving from local draft boards' decisions to a randomized selection process. This was intended to create a perception of fairness among American citizens, as the lottery aimed to treat each eligible young man equally based on chance rather than connections or deferments. Many young men, like Wes Abney, found themselves anxiously watching the live broadcast, fully aware that their futures hinged upon the drawing of their birthdates. However, despite intentions of fairness, loopholes remained, leading many who had connections or resources to evade the draft, illuminating ongoing inequalities within the system.
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