Institute for civic leadership and digital mayoral archives

Recommended Resources

Vietnam War

Hartke Counts Costs of Unlimited Escalation, February 21, 1966

This press release from the office of Senator Vance Hartke outlines the Senator's support for the Senate to debate the issue of Vietnam and criticizes President Johnson's lack of transparency regarding U.S. involvement in the conflict.

"Gradualism - Fuel of Wars" Report, March 1968

This report of a task force on national security under the direction of the Republican National Committee criticizes the foreign policy decisions of the Johnson Administration. The report charges that the Administration has damaged the reputation of the United States abroad and brought about a crisis of confidence in domestically by adhering to the military doctrines of "flexible response" and "gradualism." The task force calls for quick and firm military responses to international crisis in order to rehabilitate the reputation of the United States as a world power.

"The President's Decision" Editorial, April 1, 1968

The WFBM editorial board discusses President Johnson's decision to withdraw from the campaign for reelection in 1968 and the effect they believe this will have on the Vietnam war.

Bob Beckmann to Dick Kiser Memo, 1970

Beckman informers Kiser about a group calling itself the Fifth of February Coalition plans to march in protest of President Nixon's visit on February 5, 1970. The marchers plan to protest a variety of policies of the state and federal government, including American involvement in the Vietnam War.

Re-elect the President: Vietnam Flyer, 1972

This flyer in support of President Nixon's 1972 re-election campaign describes Nixon's handling of the Vietnam War.

Evans-Novak Political Report, January 17, 1973

This issue of the Evans-Novak Political Report provides an update on the Nixon Administration's Vietnam policies and optimistically states that this time peace really is at hand.

International Committee of Conscience on Vietnam Letter and "We Are Our Brothers Whom We Kill" Statement

A letter signed by leaders in various religious communities advocating for peace and condemning the government's actions in Vietnam.

Remarks of President Nixon Regarding Prisoners of War and Missing in Action in Southeast Asia

Remarks by President Richard Nixon made during a Gridiron Club Dinner in Washington D.C. about prisoners of war and men who are missing in action in Southeast Asia.

A Treaty for a People's Peace

A peace treaty negotiated between private citizens of the United States and citizens of North and South Vietnam seeks endorsement.

President Nixon's Goals for a Greater America: The Draft

This pamphlet outlines President Nixon's reform of the military draft.

Foreign Policy Notecards, 1979

These notecards for a Lincoln Day Dinner in 1979 include talking points criticizing the Carter Administration and the erosion of confidence in American foreign policy in the post-Vietnam War years.

Charles E. Colton to Board of Public Safety Letter, October 18, 1966

Colton registers a complaint against the Indianapolis Police Department for the conduct of officers who detained him during an anti-war protest in response to a visit from President Johnson.

"Impasses in Vietnam" Editorial, March 19, 1968

This WFBM editorial describes the changing mood of the country regarding the Vietnam War between 1967 and 1968. The editorial touches on the Tet offensive, Congress's dissatisfaction with the way the administration is running the war, the cost of the war in terms of dollars and American lives, and the frustrations of the American people.

Donald Steed to Parents Letter, January 10, 1969

Donald Steed, a founder of the Indianapolis Draft Project, describes the group's plans for anti-Vietnam War protests and draft resistance.

Myrtle B. Kelley to Richard M. Nixon Letter, November 18, 1969

Ms. Kelley writes praises President Nixon's foreign policy efforts, including his support for South Vietnam and pursuit of peace at the Paris Peace Talks. She also expresses support for the SALT I talks in Helsinki.

High School Students Unite, 1971

A flyer that includes program information for an anti-war demonstration of high school students held at Military Park in Indianapolis on May 2nd and 5th, 1971.

Monday May 10, 1971

This Republican National Committee newsletter focuses primarily on the Vietnam War. Articles discuss anti-war demonstrations (pg. 1, 3-4), support for President Nixon's plan to end the War in Vietnam (pg. 6), and George McGovern's flip flopping about the war (pg. 7).

McGovern and the War, c. 1972

A document prepared by George McGovern's political opponents contradicting his claim that he opposed military action in Vietnam. The document shows not only McGovern's votes, but also provides a list of legislation related to Vietnam that was voted on in Congress between July 1964 and August 1968.

Hudnut Campaign on Vietnam, April 30, 1972

This document for the Hudnut for Congress campaign details Hudnut's support for President Nixon's handling of the Vietnam War, noting the near total withdrawal of American troops and the fact that the policy of Vietnamazation appears to the be only viable option forward.

Congressional Record - House, June 29, 1973

A record of a Congressional debate about the Vietnam War that took place in the House of Representatives on June 29, 1973.