THE POW ER o f PRO T ES T:
P O S TERS from T HE V I E TNA M WAR
www.gtmuseum.org | 718.997.4747 | gtmuseum@qc.cuny.edu Queens College, 405 Klapper Hall, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367
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Pre-Museum Activity: Learn & Discuss
The Vietnam War (1955-1975) was a controversial battle that challenged the ethics and morals of humanity. During this war, Vietnam was divided into North and South Vietnam. North Vietnam was occupied by a communist government and was aided by the Viet Cong. On the other hand, South Vietnam was supported by France and the United States. Many Americans began to feel the weight of the war as President Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969) and President Richard Nixon (1969-1974) made questionable decisions that left Americans feeling hopeless and dissatisfied. The media also showcased the gruesome battle in Vietnam, highlighting the use of napalm, the tactics of guerrilla warfare and the Tet Offensive attacks. All of these components led to the anti-war movement in the United States, inspiring Americans to protest against the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War.
V O C A B U L A RY Anti-War Movement
A movement where people oppose the nation’s decision to get involved in war.
Communism
A political theory that believes in creating a classless society through eliminating private property and standardizing access to goods.
Guerrilla Warfare
A small group of people who attack inconsistently through tactics such as ambushes, raids or hit-and-runs.
Napalm
Highly flammable jelly used in bombs and flamethrowers.
Tet Offensive
Coordinated attacks by the Viet Cong in South Vietnam.
Viet Cong
A political organization that tried to persuade South Vietnam to unite with North Vietnam through communism.
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Pre-Museum Activity: Reading Between the Lines
Read each of the letters below and answer the following questions. Letter from U.S. State Department to the American people (Feb. 27, 1965)* At their request, the United States has taken its place beside them in their defensive struggle. The United States seeks no territory, no military bases, no favored position. But we have learned the meaning of aggression elsewhere in the post-war world, and we have met it. If peace can be restored in South Vietnam, the United States will be ready at once to reduce its military involvement. But it will not abandon friends who want to remain free. It will do what must be done to help them. The choice now between peace and continued and increasingly destructive conflict is one for the authorities in Hanoi (capital of Vietnam) to make. Q1. Why do you think the United States is trying to help South Vietnam?
Q2. According to this letter, does the United States want something in return for helping South Vietnam in the Vietnam War? 1967 - Letter from Ho Chi Minh (North Vietnam) to President Lyndon Johnson (United States)* The U.S. government has committed war crimes, crimes against peace and against mankind. In South Vietnam, half a million U.S. and satellite troops have resorted to the most inhuman weapons and most barbarous methods of warfare, such as napalm, toxic chemicals and gases, to massacre our compatriots, destroy crops, and raze villages to the ground. In North Vietnam, thousands of U.S. aircraft have dropped hundreds of thousands of tons of bombs, destroying towns, villages, factories, schools. In your message, you apparently deplore the sufferings and destruction in Vietnam. May I ask you: Who has perpetrated these monstrous crimes? It is the United States and satellite troops. The U.S. government is entirely responsible for the extremely serious situation in Vietnam. Q1. What is Ho Chi Minh saying about the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War? Does he want the United States to help or not?
Q2. What are the “inhumane weapons” that the United States are using according to Ho Chi Minh?
Q3. Read the quotes from both letters below and answer the questions that follow:
“If peace can be restored in South Vietnam, the United States will be ready at once to reduce its military involvement.” (United States)
“The U.S. government has committed war crimes, crimes against peace and against mankind.” (North Vietnam)
a. What does the word “peace” mean to you?
b. Based on these quotes, how does North Vietnam and The United States interpret the word “peace”? Do they see each other as being peaceful?
*Mintz, S., & McNeil, S. (2018). Digital History. Retrieved March 2020 from http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu
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Museum Activity: A Deeper Look
We have learned that there was a lot of tension in the United States during the Vietnam War. As a result of this tension, many Americans created posters to reflect what they were thinking and feeling during this time — Americans were protesting to stop the war. Study each poster below and write down some important details that you observe. Some questions to keep in mind:
a. What is the message that the creator is trying to convey? b. How did the creator attempt to convey that message visually? c. What stands out to you when you look at each poster? d. Why does it stand out to you?
If anyone in days to come should that we were civilized in this country, this war will be proof that we are barbarians. Mark Podwal, 1970, Ink on Paper, GTM P0488
Washington DC November 15, Vietnam Anti-War. Mark Podwal, 1968-1969, Ink on paper, GTM 2012.8.7
Valentine Dwornik, born 1949, died Vietnam, 1969. Winston Vargas, 1969-1975, Ink on paper, GTM P0474
May Day Greg Moore, 1971, Ink on paper, GTM P0481
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Post-Museum Activity: Connecting with History
In recent years, there have been a lot of movements that have inspired people to protest for causes that they believe in. During the Vietnam War, people used art to express themselves and what they cared about. Looking back on the posters you just saw, create a poster for a cause that you believe in. Remember to keep in mind what kind of message you are trying to convey to your audience. Think about what you want people to take away from looking at your poster. Don’t forget to be creative! Use color pencils, markers, crayons, or magazine cut-outs.
This guide is made possible by generous contributions from the Godwin-Ternbach Museum: Jasmine Singh, Spring 2020 Museum Education Intern; Maria C. Pio and Louise Weinberg, Co-Directors, Godwin-Ternbach Museum; and Stephanie S. Lee, Museum Assistant and Designer. A special thanks to Dr. Susan McCullough, Acting Program Director for Art Education, Department of Secondary Education and Youth Services, Queens College.