Here are some specific ways in which college students were affected by the Vietnam War:
- Draft: The draft was a major source of anxiety for college students. Every year, thousands of students were drafted into the military, and many were sent to Vietnam. The threat of the draft hung over the heads of all college students, and it disrupted their studies and plans for the future.
- Protests: College campuses were often the site of protests against the Vietnam War. Students organized demonstrations, rallies, and sit-ins to protest the war and demand an end to American involvement. These protests often led to clashes with police and arrests.
- Free speech: The Vietnam War also led to a crackdown on free speech on college campuses. Administrators were often afraid of protests and dissent, and they took steps to suppress free speech. This led to a number of court cases and protests over free speech rights on campus.
- Changing social norms: The Vietnam War also had a significant impact on social norms on college campuses. The war led to a decline in traditional gender roles and an increase in experimentation with drugs and alcohol. It also led to a new focus on social justice and activism.
The Vietnam War was a major turning point in American history, and it had a profound impact on college students. The war divided the nation and changed the way college students thought about the government, the military, and their role in society.