History Daily: The Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam
Episode Title: The Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Host: Lindsay Graham
Produced by: Airship | Noiser | Wondery
Introduction
In this compelling episode of History Daily, host Lindsay Graham delves into one of the most significant movements in American history—the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam. Released on November 15, 2024, this episode provides a detailed exploration of the events leading up to the massive anti-war protests of 1969, the organizational efforts behind them, and their lasting impact on American society and politics.
Background: The Vietnam War and Growing Dissent
By 1968, the Vietnam War had entrenched itself deeply into American society, causing widespread frustration and dissent. The conflict, a proxy battleground in the Cold War between the Communist-dominated North Vietnam and the U.S.-supported South Vietnam, was marred by brutal guerrilla tactics employed by the Viet Cong. These tactics not only made the war difficult to fight but also eroded public support as each new report highlighted the war's grim realities.
The American public's sentiment grew increasingly negative as media coverage revealed the harsh truths of the war, including atrocities committed by U.S. forces. This widespread disillusionment set the stage for the rise of the anti-war movement, culminating in the organization of large-scale protests aimed at ending the conflict.
The My Lai Massacre: A Turning Point
One of the darkest chapters of the Vietnam War, the My Lai Massacre, occurred on March 16, 1968. U.S. Army Lieutenant William Calley and his men entered the South Vietnamese village of My Lai under the guise of eliminating Viet Cong fighters. However, instead of encountering enemy combatants, they found a village populated by women and children.
Despite the absence of any combatants, Lieutenant Calley ordered his men to "open fire," leading to the brutal killing of hundreds of innocent villagers, including livestock burning, home destruction, and the rape of women. This heinous act, initially covered up by the military, eventually came to light and shocked the American public, fueling further opposition to the war.
Notable Quote:
Lt. William Calley (Narration at 00:20): "With no Viet Cong fighters in sight, we proceeded with our mission, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives."
The revelation of the My Lai Massacre intensified the anti-war movement, galvanizing activists to push harder for an end to U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
Organizing the Moratorium: Sam Brown and Jerome Grossman
Amid the growing anti-war sentiment, two key figures emerge in this narrative: Sam Brown, a 25-year-old graduate student in ethics at Harvard Divinity School, and Jerome Grossman, a 52-year-old campaign director from Eugene McCarthy's presidential campaign. Both men share a common goal—ending the Vietnam War—but approach it from different perspectives.
The Birth of the Moratorium
In April 1969, Jerome Grossman visits Sam Brown with a pivotal idea to mobilize nationwide opposition to the war. Recognizing the need for a more organized and widespread protest, Jerome proposes organizing a massive nationwide strike. However, Sam expresses concerns that the term "strike" might alienate moderates who oppose the war but are put off by aggressive terminology.
Notable Quote:
Sam Brown (at 04:06): "The idea of a strike might be too radical for the average American. Even the word 'strike' implies aggressiveness, and that might put off the many moderates who oppose the war."
To overcome this challenge, Sam suggests rebranding the protest as a "moratorium," a term that retains the essence of the protest without the confrontational connotations. Jerome quickly adopts this terminology, recognizing its potential to garner broader support.
Planning and Execution
With the concept of the moratorium in place, Sam and Jerome set ambitious goals for their movement. They plan to launch the first moratorium in mid-October 1969, aiming to create a decentralized network of branches across the country. This structure would facilitate widespread participation and ensure effective communication and coordination among activists.
Sam's expertise in organizing and his ability to connect with everyday people become crucial in mobilizing a diverse demographic. Their strategy focuses on inclusivity, ensuring that white and blue-collar workers, alongside college students, can unite in their opposition to the war.
Notable Quote:
Jerome Grossman (at 07:00): "We need to organize a massive nationwide strike to show President Nixon that the majority of the American public is against the war."
The First Moratorium: October 15, 1969
On October 15, 1969, Sam Brown and Jerome Grossman's efforts culminate in the first Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam. The event marks a significant milestone in the anti-war movement, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants nationwide. Washington, D.C., hosts a quarter of a million people, showcasing the movement's expansive reach.
Highlights of the October Moratorium
- Broad Support: The protest attracts a wide array of participants, including both young activists and older citizens, highlighting the widespread disapproval of the war.
- Diverse Participation: White and blue-collar workers march alongside college students, symbolizing a united front against the conflict.
- Strategic Messaging: Slogans such as "Stop the Atrocity" and "Imperialism is the Real Enemy" resonate with the crowd, emphasizing the movement's moral and political stance.
The success of the first moratorium demonstrates the effectiveness of Sam and Jerome's organizational strategies, setting the stage for an even larger second event.
President Nixon's Response: A Hardline Stance
Despite the overwhelming participation in the moratorium, President Richard Nixon initially remains unyielding in his approach to the Vietnam War. He portrays the anti-war protesters as a "vocal minority" and emphasizes the importance of winning the war over yielding to public pressure.
Notable Quote:
President Richard Nixon (at 13:10): "If a vocal minority, however fervent its cause, prevails over reason and the will of the majority, this nation has no future as a free society."
Nixon's administration adopts a strategy of Vietnamization, aiming to transfer combat roles to South Vietnamese forces while maintaining American military support. This approach is intended to reduce U.S. involvement without visibly conceding to the demands of the anti-war movement.
Sam Brown's Frustration
Listening to Nixon's televised speech, Sam Brown feels disheartened and skeptical of the administration's commitment to de-escalation. He interprets Nixon's reassurances as superficial, doubting that the president will take meaningful action to end the war.
Notable Quote:
Sam Brown (at 13:45): "I don't have faith that Nixon truly plans to de-escalate the situation."
Despite Nixon's dismissal of the protesters' influence, Sam remains resolute, believing that the upcoming second moratorium can further pressure the administration to change its stance.
Planning the Second Moratorium: November 15, 1969
Buoyed by the success of the first event, Sam and Jerome turn their attention to organizing the second and larger moratorium set for November 15, 1969. Their goal is to surpass the turnout of the initial protest by mobilizing over a million participants nationwide.
Strategic Enhancements
- Increased Outreach: Leveraging their extensive network of volunteers and supporters, Sam plans to expand the movement's reach.
- Targeted Campaigns: Fundraising drives and targeted advertising aim to engage Americans from diverse political and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Inclusive Messaging: The movement continues to emphasize unity across different demographics, ensuring that the protest appeals to a broad audience.
Sam's leadership and organizational skills are pivotal in scaling up the movement, ensuring that the second moratorium has the infrastructure and support necessary for unprecedented participation.
The Second Moratorium: A Historic Demonstration
On November 15, 1969, the second Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam unfolds as the largest protest in U.S. history up to that point. Over half a million people rally in Washington, D.C., with more than a million participating in cities across the nation.
Key Features of the Second Moratorium
- Massive Turnout: Washington, D.C. alone attracts over half a million participants, with widespread demonstrations in other major cities.
- Unified Demographics: Participants include individuals from all walks of life, reflecting the widespread opposition to the war.
- Symbolic Gestures: Protesters carry a mix of American flags, peace signs, and, controversially, a few Viet Cong flags—a decision that sparks discussions on free speech and the movement's stance.
Notable Quote:
Protesters (at 18:09): "Stop the Atrocity and Imperialism is the Real Enemy."
Impact and Legacy
While the second moratorium does not immediately end the Vietnam War, it significantly broadens the base of the anti-war movement. The sheer scale of the protests challenges President Nixon's perception of the movement as a vocal minority, demonstrating that opposition to the war spans a substantial portion of the American populace.
The Unfolding Aftermath
Shortly before the November moratorium, the revelation of the My Lai Massacre and the attempted military cover-up further erode public support for the war. This scandal intensifies the anti-war movement, leading to even greater mobilization and setting the stage for Nixon's eventual decision to withdraw U.S. forces in 1973, three years after the moratorium.
Notable Quote:
Sam Brown (at 15:25): "Nixon might think he's won over middle America, but they can prove him wrong with their next upcoming moratorium."
Conclusion: A Catalyst for Change
The Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam stands as a testament to the power of organized protest and the impact of grassroots movements on national policy. While the war continued for several more years, the moratoriums played a crucial role in uniting diverse segments of American society against the conflict and influencing public opinion.
The efforts of leaders like Sam Brown and Jerome Grossman not only contributed to the eventual end of the Vietnam War but also left a lasting legacy on how large-scale protests can shape political discourse. Future generations of activists draw inspiration from the moratoriums, recognizing the importance of sustained and inclusive movements in effecting change.
Notable Quote:
Narrator (at 18:09): "The moratorium effort widened the base of those who stood against the Vietnam War in the United States."
Upcoming Episode
Stay tuned for the next episode of History Daily, where Lindsay Graham explores the debut of Mickey Mouse in Walt Disney's iconic animated film, Steamboat Willie, released on November 18, 1928.
Credits:
Hosted, edited, and executive produced by Lindsey Graham
Audio Editing by Molly Bach
Sound Design by Misha Stanton
Music by Lindsey Graham
Episode written and researched by Brandon Burke
Executive Producers: Stephen Walters (Airship) and Pascal Hughes (Noiser)