12-3 million
An estimated number of Vietnamese civilians were killed during the war. U.S. bombing campaigns (like Operation Rolling Thunder) and the use of napalm/cluster bombs caused widespread civilian casualties.
258,000
The number of US soldiers killed
3150,000
The number of US soldiers wounded
47.6 million
The tons of U.S. bombs dropped on Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia
52.7 million
The tons of bombs dropped during the entirety of World War II.
6643,000
Tons of bombs the U.S. dropped on North Vietnam during Operation Rolling Thunder (1965-1968)
720 million
Gallons of defoliants which were sprayed over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia by the U.S. from 1961 to 1971.
8How the U.S. public found out about politicians' lies
Television broadcasts showed widespread destruction and loss of control.
960% to 35%
Gallup poll result findings measuring the percentage of U.S. citizens who trusted the government to 'do the right thing' in 1968 vs the early 1960s.
10Issue with the sources of progression in the war
Politicians often promised progress in Vietnam, while media coverage and soldiers' letters revealed setbacks.
11'Television/Living Room War'
Vietnam was the first "television war," showing graphic images of combat, civilian deaths, and protests.
12Issue with TV broadcasting
Constant visibility made Americans more critical of politicians' decisions, unlike previous wars, where the news was filtered.
13Changes by the late 1960s and early 1970s
Opposition to the war became widespread and highly visible.
14Kent State shootings (1970)
National Guard fired on protesting students, killing 4 and wounding 9, sparking nationwide outrage.
15What some civil rights protesters did
Many civil rights activists linked the fight against communism abroad with inequality at home.
16Draft inequality
Poor and minority Americans were disproportionately drafted, highlighting systemic racism.
17Result of War
Counterculture movement which opposed conflict and sought for equality, rights, and liberation.