Music of the Vietnam War
By: Chloe Nelson and Brianna Mullins
How did the progression of the musical culture of the 1970's reflect the progression of the Vietnam War?
Historical Context
The 1970's shows the end of the Vietnam War and a continuation of the 1960's conflictions because of the war. The Vietnam War, during the time of the Cold War between the USSR and America, played a massive role on the music and culture of the 1970's and is reflected through many of the songs leading to 1975, and the official ceasefire between North and South Vietnam. Many notable authors of this time include Marvin Gaye, Billy Joel, and Merle Haggard. One of the interesting aspects of this musical culture is the large diversity of musical genres and instruments.
Point of View of the Musicians
Just like the songs of the ages the musicians had conflicting views on the importance or continuation of the Vietnam War. For example, Merle Haggard was one of the many voices supporting the war and wanted the American people to further support such movements. On the other hand, musicians like Marvin Gaye were extremely anti-war and expressed such sentiments in protest, Marches and Media culture. As popular culture became more impactful on the American populace, the importance of the message in the music became a necessity of the musical genres of the 1970´s.
Comparison and Contrasts
Unlike WWI where there was more pro-war sentiments reflected in songs like "Over There" by George M. Cohan, Music during the Vietnam War contrasted greatly in that many Americans were very anti-war. World War I after the US got involved caused a sense of Nationalism and pride that everyone's fathers, brothers, and sons were going to war to fight for America. However, the Vietnam War was very opposed and where in WWI the soldiers were praised for fighting in war, during the Vietnam War you were shamed and even forgotten about if you went and fought during the Vietnam War.
1970
President Nixon calls for the invasion of Cambodia, breaking his promise to pull out of the Vietnam war through ¨Peace with Honor.¨ In response to this the college students on the campus of Kent University held an anti-war protest which resulted in the Ohio National Guard to fire back killing 4 students in the process. The shooting at Kent State was the climax of anti-war protest and that there needed to be a change in handling protest across America.
1971
The Pentagon Papers were released and were tried in the New York Times vs. United States, in which the New York Times won. President Nixon's visit to China also coincides during this time. At this point the American people wanted the war to end; however, there were still many Americans who were pro-war. After the incident in Kent State many anti-war songs came out like ¨What's Going On¨ and ¨Your Flag Decal won't get you into Heaven Anymore.¨ At the same time there was still pro-war sentiment among the American people reflected in songs like ¨Battle Hymn of Lt. Calley.¨ This shows that the war was still a hot topic issue that caused the media and popular culture icons to debate the necessity of the war.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-kA3UtBj4M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXNsXIxBkqs
1972
President Nixon announces his 8 point plan for peace, which ultimately fails. Later he would go through with Operation Linebacker I and II. At the same time the Watergate scandal began and the re-election of Nixon.
1973
Nixon promises to continue his promise of ¨Peace with Honor¨ and the Paris Peace Accords are signed. However, after the investigations Nixon's top Aides resign.
After Nixon's presidential promise more and more Americans wanted to get out of the Vietnam War, which can be seen through the changing music of the 70's that reflects a dominant anti-sentiment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgRVNjsuycQ
1974
Richard Nixon resigns as President, making Ford the new President. This action sparks a trend of distrust among the American people for Central Government.
1975
The Vietnam War officially ends with a ceasefire between North and South Vietnam through President Ford. However, tensions between each respective nation lead to a fragile agreement that results on the Fall of Saigon. Simiarilary seen through the popular song by Billy Joel, wherein he describes the events of the Fall of Saigon and the prevalence of anti-war songs in popular culture. The tone of the song reflects the countries attitude at end of the war and the battles that it fought and the scars that it earned throughout the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. A tone of remembrance and sorrow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qjzjhl-QztE
Change in the Music of the Period
Throughout the 1970's the music reflects the US changing sentiments towards an attitude of anti-war music. This is also a continuity of the entire Vietnam War, as it was the most covered in news coverage and was one of the most unpopular wars which can be seen through the differences in musical genres and tones of the different songs of the decade. As such, as the war pressed forward the music became more and more against the war and dominated by the anti-war movement.
Works Cited
http://theconversation.com/during-vietnam-war-music-spoke-to-both-sides-of-a-divided-nation-83702
https://www.cnn.com/2015/08/10/entertainment/pop-songs-music-seventies/index.html
https://www.history.com/topics/1970s
https://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war-timeline
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1969.html
https://www.history.com/topics/kent-state-shooting
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/nov/07/the-10-best-first-world-war-music