“More than ever before TV showed the terrible human suffering and sacrifice of war.” (Australia and the Vietnam war, 2007)
This statement made by Richard Nixon highlights the impact of media coverage of the war on Australians. Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war between the years of 1962-1972 was a very polarising issue in Australia’s history. In the early stages of war, there seemed to be a lack of interest among the public, however, this disinterest turned into growing opposition and hatred for the war, such that by 1972 the ruling Liberal Government was dismissed from parliament. This change in attitude was a result of the highly publicised and televised nature of the war. This war gave the public an opportunity to view the war and its tragedies from their living rooms. Since the war was televised, this made the public more aware and less susceptible towards government propaganda. Furthermore, the Menzies Liberal Government played a key part in fuelling the hatred due to initiating Australia’s involvement in the war. This sparked the beginning of the anti-war movements being …show more content…
Firstly, the highly televised nature of the war meant that Australians were greatly influenced by the extensive media coverage. Secondly, the Menzies government actions flamed the start of antiwar movements because the Australian people were opposed to the war. Lastly, those opposed to the war expressed their concerns through anti-war protests on the streets of Australia. This is an extract from Jim Cairns speech in September 1970 at a Melbourne Moratorium. “Parliament is not the only place where there is power. Power also exists in schools, in universities, in factories, in Government departments, in banks and everywhere else… We have won our democracy by breaking laws, by campaigning in the streets. We have won our democracy by cutting off the heads of
This statement made by Richard Nixon highlights the impact of media coverage of the war on Australians. Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war between the years of 1962-1972 was a very polarising issue in Australia’s history. In the early stages of war, there seemed to be a lack of interest among the public, however, this disinterest turned into growing opposition and hatred for the war, such that by 1972 the ruling Liberal Government was dismissed from parliament. This change in attitude was a result of the highly publicised and televised nature of the war. This war gave the public an opportunity to view the war and its tragedies from their living rooms. Since the war was televised, this made the public more aware and less susceptible towards government propaganda. Furthermore, the Menzies Liberal Government played a key part in fuelling the hatred due to initiating Australia’s involvement in the war. This sparked the beginning of the anti-war movements being …show more content…
Firstly, the highly televised nature of the war meant that Australians were greatly influenced by the extensive media coverage. Secondly, the Menzies government actions flamed the start of antiwar movements because the Australian people were opposed to the war. Lastly, those opposed to the war expressed their concerns through anti-war protests on the streets of Australia. This is an extract from Jim Cairns speech in September 1970 at a Melbourne Moratorium. “Parliament is not the only place where there is power. Power also exists in schools, in universities, in factories, in Government departments, in banks and everywhere else… We have won our democracy by breaking laws, by campaigning in the streets. We have won our democracy by cutting off the heads of