Peace movements in Australia during the First and Second World Wars were always disjointed and never had the public impact that those involved had sought. However, the Menzies government’s introduction of conscription in November 1964 – followed by the announcement in April 1965 that Australia would send an infantry battalion to Vietnam – gave new life to the peace movement. But did this movement and the anti-war protests it championed shorten Australia’s commitment to the war in Vietnam?
So close and so real
Crowd assembling on Collins Street, Melbourne, for a Vietnam march 1970. AWM P00671.002
Hannah Viney provides a thoroughly engaging and thought-provoking overview of the peace movement in Australia, and her considered and well-balanced conclusion puts an old myth to bed.
To read Hannah’s article, purchase your copy of Wartime here.
