HISTORY This Week How the Vietnam War Broke Our Trust in Government
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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.
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Initial Public Trust
- In 1964, 77% of Americans trusted the government.
- This trust was partly due to government-instilled fear of the Soviet Union.
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
- The Gulf of Tonkin incident, where North Vietnamese boats allegedly attacked a US Navy destroyer, led to increased US involvement in Vietnam.
- President Johnson promised a limited war but secretly planned troop deployments.
The Draft and Anti-War Movement
- By the end of 1965, 184,000 US troops were in Vietnam, and over 230,000 men were drafted.
- Despite the draft impacting young men, it sparked anti-war movements mainly on college campuses where students were largely exempt.