History of Vietnam War Protests

The protest the Tinker children led wasn't the only protest against the Vietnam War.As American death tolls climbed throughout the war, more and more Americas became vocal in their opposition of American Involvement in the War. Although the Tinkers were too young to vote, they chose to bring the protests of the war to their classroom.

By researching Vietnam War protests, students will have a deeper understanding of how the Tinker’s actions were not as uncommon as they might have initially thought. In this activity, students will create a spider map that illustrates at least 3 protests that occurred against the war. Students should be encouraged to research both specific protests and general forms of protests such as draft-card burning and the use of popular music. Teachers may also encourage students to identify how these forms of protests have continued throughout our society following the Vietnam War.

Example Vietnam War Protests

• Kent State Protest 1970
• Madison Square Garden, 1965
• Pentagon Protest 1967
• Teach-Ins 1967
• Draft Card Burning
• October 1969
• May 1967 - NYC
• Anti-Dow Letters
• Draft Dodging
• Anti-War Music
• Anti-War Art
• 1965 March Against The Vietnam War in D.C.