HISTORY This Week: How the Vietnam War Broke Our Trust in Government

Episode Release Date: December 2, 2024
Host: Sally Helm
Produced by: Back Pocket Studios in Partnership with the History Channel

Introduction

In this illuminating episode of HISTORY This Week, host Sally Helm delves deep into the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War, exploring how the conflict fundamentally eroded American trust in the government. Through expert insights and firsthand accounts, the episode unpacks pivotal moments that shifted public perception and reshaped the nation's relationship with its leaders.

The Inaugural Draft Lottery

The episode begins by setting the scene of December 1st, 1969—a historic night marked by the first televised draft lottery for the Vietnam War.

• Scene Setting (00:00 – 03:49): Sally Helm describes the Selective Service headquarters in Washington D.C., transformed into a theater where the fate of American youths would be decided. Lieutenant General Lewis Hershey announces the commencement of the draft lottery, emphasizing President Nixon's intent to make the process more equitable.

• Notable Quote (05:07 – 05:12):

  Lieutenant General Lewis Hershey (05:07): "From the lowest number up to the highest. September 14, April 20."

Despite the government’s efforts to portray the lottery as a fair system, underlying injustices persisted. Chris Oppy, Professor of History at UMass Amherst, highlights the disparity between public perception and the reality of the draft process.

• Notable Quote (04:31 – 05:07):

  Chris Oppy (04:31): "Since 1942, draft order has been up to local draft boards... The idea of this whole lottery effort is that it'll be more fair."

Erosion of Public Trust

The introduction of the draft lottery was intended to unify the nation, but it inadvertently sowed seeds of distrust.

• Shift in Trust (09:10 – 10:00): Sally Helm references a 1964 poll where 77% of Americans trusted the government. However, as the war escalated, trust began to decline sharply. Chris Oppy attributes this decline to the government's portrayal of communism and the realities of the Vietnam conflict.

• Notable Quote (09:45 – 10:00):

  Chris Oppy (09:45): "The government was putting across a very powerful... Hitler with nukes."

The Tet Offensive and the Credibility Gap

A turning point in the war's perception was the Tet Offensive in 1968, a massive surprise attack by North Vietnamese forces.

• Tet Offensive Impact (16:01 – 17:57): The offensive revealed the stark contrast between government assurances and the harsh realities on the ground. Wes Abney, author of Random: How the Vietnam War Drafts Lottery Shaped a Generation, recounts the shock and disillusionment felt by the American public.

• Notable Quotes:

  Wes Abney (16:35): "That was such a shock. Everyone saw. It just wasn't like we had been led to believe."

  Chris Oppy (17:29): "Politically and psychologically, one has to conclude that this was a stunning defeat to the US side in the war."

This event deepened the credibility gap—the widening chasm between the government’s statements and the public’s perceptions.

The My Lai Massacre and Further Distrust

The revelation of the My Lai Massacre in 1968 further devastated public trust.

• Uncovering the Truth (18:41 – 19:41): Initially covered up by the military, the massacre—where over 500 Vietnamese civilians were killed—eventually came to light, inflaming public opinion against the war.

• Notable Quote (19:29 – 19:41):

  Wes Abney (19:29): "That was part of the published problem with it. Not just soldier on soldier, but... the war machine just murdering who knows how many civilians every day."

Televised Draft Lottery and Public Sentiment

The first televised draft lottery in December 1969 symbolized a shift towards transparency, yet it failed to restore faith in the government.

• Lottery Mechanics and Reactions (22:11 – 25:49): Wes Abney describes the tense atmosphere during the lottery, reflecting widespread anxiety and skepticism. Despite the randomized selection, loopholes and exemptions continued to undermine its fairness.

• Notable Quote (24:04 – 24:28):

  Wes Abney (24:04): "Five of the September 14th came out first... a collective sigh of relief, except for maybe the unlucky guy."

Continued Decline in Trust and War Extension

Throughout the early 1970s, revelations like the secret bombing of Cambodia and the Pentagon Papers exposed the extent of governmental deception, further eroding trust.

• Poll Statistics (26:10 – 28:20): By 1970, trust in the government had plummeted to 54%, and by 1976, it was a mere 35%. Chris Oppy emphasizes that while skepticism grew, it also fostered cynicism, diminishing citizens' belief in the government's capacity for good.

• Notable Quote (26:10 – 26:25):

  Chris Oppy (26:10): "71% of Americans believed that the war had been a mistake... 58%... concluded that the American war in Vietnam was immoral."

Conclusion: Lasting Impact on American Trust

The Vietnam War's legacy is a profound and lasting skepticism towards governmental authority. Chris Oppy argues that while this skepticism is a healthy check on power, it has also led to pervasive cynicism.

• Notable Quote (28:33 – 29:26):

  Chris Oppy (28:33): "Let's not romanticize the nearly blind faith in the government of the early Cold War... the rise in skepticism of government, I think, was a healthy thing for our democracy."

By 2024, only 22% of Americans express trust in the government, a stark contrast to the 77% in 1964. This enduring distrust underscores the profound ways in which the Vietnam War reshaped American society and its relationship with authority.

Special Thanks

• Guests:

  • Chris Oppy: Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Director of the Ellsberg Initiative for Peace and Democracy
  • Wes Abney: Author of Random: How the Vietnam War Drafts Lottery Shaped a Generation

• Production Team:

  • Produced by: David Weisbord
  • Produced and Sound Designed by: Ben Dickstein
  • Executive Producers: Eli Lehrer and Liv Fiddler

Stay Connected

To stay updated on all things History This Week, visit historythisweekpodcast.com and engage with the community by emailing historythisweek@history.com. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen to enrich your understanding of pivotal historical moments.