Antiwarriors

The anti–Vietnam War movement marked the first time in American history that record numbers marched and protested to an antiwar tune—on college campuses, in neighborhoods, and in Washington. Although it did not create enough pressure on decision-makers to end U.S. involvement in the war, the movement's impact was monumental. It served as a major constraint on the government's ability to escalate, played a significant role in President Lyndon B. Johnson's decision in 1968 not to seek another term, and was a factor in the Watergate affair that brought down President Richard Nixon. At last, the story of the entire antiwar movement from its advent to its dissolution is available in Antiwarriors: The Vietnam War and the Battle for America's Hearts and Minds . Author Melvin Small describes not only the origins and trajectory of the anti–Vietnam War movement in America, but also focuses on the way it affected policy and public opinion and the way it in turn was affected by the government and the media, and, consequently, events in Southeast Asia. Leading this crusade were outspoken cultural rebels including Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, as passionate about the cause as the music that epitomizes the period. But in addition to radical protestors whose actions fueled intense media coverage, Small reveals that the anti-war movement included a diverse cast of ordinary citizens turned war dissenter: housewives, politicians, suburbanites, clergy members, and the elderly. The antiwar movement comes to life in this compelling new book that is sure to fascinate all those interested in the Vietnam War and the turbulent, tumultuous 1960s.

The anti-Vietnam War movement marked the first time in American history that record numbers marched and protested to an antiwar tune-on college campuses, in neighborhoods, and in Washington. Although it did not create enough pressure on decision-makers to end U.S. involvement in the war, the movement's impact was monumental. It served as a major constraint on the government's ability to escalate, played a significant role in President Lyndon B. Johnson's decision in 1968 not to seek another term, and was a factor in the Watergate affair that brought down President Richard Nixon.

Booknews

Small (history, Wayne State U.) argues that no particular organization dominated the anarchic anti-war movement of the 1960s and 70s. He suggests that the movement was much more broadly based than is usually acknowledged and that it served as an important constraint on the ability of the U.S. government to escalate the war, even if it failed to end it. He traces the trajectory of the anti-Vietnam War movement from its beginnings to the eventual winding down of the conflict internationally and domestically. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Melvin Small has taught and lectured about the peace movement for three decades. Past president of the Council on Peace Research in History, he teaches at Wayne State University and is the author of several books on the Vietnam War including Johnson, Nixon, and the Doves and Covering Dissent.