Why Was Australia Opposed To The Vietnam War

Since the Menzies government informed the people of Australia that the Australian troops were going to be sent to Vietnam, there was separation in the Australian society. At first many people supported the government’s decision whilst others did not. The people did not support them like they have in previous Australian involvement in wars, there was no flag-waving or jingoistic, instead they mentioned words like ‘heroic’, ‘grave decision’ and ‘inevitable’, however as the war progressed, objectors increased whereas supporters declined for the reason of the loss of Australian soldiers and other major influences. Many people objected to the war for the reason that it did not concern Australia as it was just amongst U.S. and Vietnam, this is presented in source … “In 1967…, public opposition to the war …show more content…
/ South Vietnam and Vietcong in 1968. Since the Liberal Party, DLP, Catholic Church and the Country National Party supported Robert Menzies verdicts as he was trusted to make significant decisions in public, many people supported his decision, this is proven in source… “Robert Menzies was trusted to make big decisions in public”. (By: D. Melvani, 2010). This had an influential impact on the Australians choices in either supporting or objecting their verdict. President Harry Truman introduced the U.S. policy of containment to prevent communism, this policy was supported by Australia and influenced people in supporting the government’s decision since they did not want Australia to become a communist country. The domino theory was supported by Australia as they believed that they had to eliminate their enemy before they approach Australia. Australians thought that conscripts were cruel as they were sent overseas for young men to go to war which was unfair for the young men and their family, this is portrayed in source… “Australians thought that conscription was just brutal” (By: D. Melvani,