The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War

The Vietnam WarA Quick Revision of the last two weeks

The end of the Second World WarGermany is defeated andDivided into four zones by The Victorious PowersThe United States, Britain,France and the Soviet Union.

But peace does not last long.

The United States wants Germany to be united andDemocratic. The Soviet UnionWants Germany to be dividedAnd communist.

Two New Superpowers

The United StatesCapitalismDemocracyPrivate OwnershipThe Soviet UnionCommunistDictatorshipPublic OwnershipThe Cold War

What is Communism?

Communism is the idea that everyone in societyreceives equal share of Benefits from labor.

This means that the government controls all means of production. No private ownership of business. The Fear of Communism

By 1950, there is a real fear of communism dominating Europe and Asia.

In Europe, the Soviet Union is controlling Eastern Europe. In Asia, the Communists have taken power in China.

In Australia, the communist party supported strikes in the coal industry in 1949. Communism is Seen as undermining Australian Industry and the Australian way of life.

The fear of communism

In 1950, Robert Menziesbans the communist partyIn Australia. But the HighCourt says that the ban isUnconstitutional.

So Menzies goes to the People in a referendum in 1951. The referendum votes No to banning communism.

The Petrov Affair

Fear and Paranoia again grip Australia when Vladimir Petrov seeks Asylum in Australia.

Petrov claims that a Soviet Spy ring is operating from the Soviet Embassy. Robert Menzies setsUp a Royal Commission to investigate these claims.The Korean War

In 1950, the communist North Korea invades South Korea. North Korea is supported by China.

Australia, an ally of the United States and a member of the United Nations sends troops.

The war is stalemate no body wins. The Domino Theory the Fear of Communism

Is the theory that if one country falls to Communism then they will all fall to communism if Communism is not stopped. Forward Defense Fear of Communism

Australia fears communist aggression spreading through South East Asia.

Australia has the policy ofForward Defense or stopping communism in Asia before it reaches Australia.Cold War Alliances

Australia joins an alliance with the United States and New Zealand the Anzus Alliance.

Australia also joins SEATO the South East Asia Treaty Organisation with the United States, Britain, France, New Zealand, the Philippines. 12Why does Australia go to Vietnam?

Fear of Communism sweeping through South East AsiaThe Vietnam WarIn 1962, South Vietnam asks forHelp against the North VietnameseInsurgents.

Under the SEATO treaty, Australia pledges to stop communist aggression in South East Asia including South Vietnam.

In 1962, Australia sends military advisors to South Vietnam.

1964 the war escalatesIn 1964, North Vietnamese attack U.S ships The Gulf of Tonkin incident.

Australia also increases its troops to Vietnam and sends the HMAS Sydney.

The U.S begins bombing raids against the North Vietnamese.

ConscriptionIn 1964, the government introduces conscription or National Service.

There is opposition to conscription fromSave Our SonsThe Labor Party The Trade UnionsThe Communist PartyYouth organisations

The Birthday Ballot

Anyone who is 20 years and over must register. Conscripts are chosenFrom a birthday ballot a date is picked out of a box. If your birthdayFalls on that date, you must join the army for two years or face jailSupport for the warDespite conscription, there is still wide support for the warIn Vietnam.

In 1966, LBJ visits Australia. He Is greeted like royalty. Australia promises our full support for the war All the way with LBJ.

In 1966, the Liberal party is re-elected. Australia increases its troops in Vietnam to 6,000.

Growing opposition to the war

By 1970, there is growing opposition to the War in Vietnam.

The Vietnam War is seen on television. People Are seeing the horror of the war on television

Growing opposition to the war

In 1966, the government announces that conscripted Soldiers will be sent to Vietnam.

The Tet offensive the North VietnameseAttack in 1968. Although the Americans defeat the North Vietnamese, it gives the impression to many Australians that theWar will never end and more troops will be sent to Vietnam.

The My Lai Massacre becomes known. The murder of innocent civilians by American troops now shows that this is no longer an honorable war. The Moratorium Movement

In 1970, all of the groups that oppose theVietnam War and conscription join togetherIn the Moratorium Movement or stop theWar.

They have two demandsStop the war and bring all soldiers home fromVietnamEnd conscription

The first protests are held in May 1970 in allMajor cities and again in September 1970. The1970 moratorium marches attract 200,000 People.

There are some clashes between supporters of theWar and opponents of the war in Adelaide.

So why was Australia involved in Vietnam?

Fear of Communism spreading in South-East Asia and communist influence in Australia.

The Domino theory, the Korean War, Forward defense, ANZUS, SEATO stopping communism from coming to Australia.

In Australia, the 1951 ban and Referendum, the Petrov Affair, 1966 LBJ and 1966 election. , track 259622.42