The Foundation of Disapproval

The initial causes for anti-war feelings amongst the men and women of the United States were few. Most people were terrified of the spread of Communism and supported an active stance preventing its spread. The occasional dissident either found fault in this foreign policy: desiring peaceful means for isolating Communism or was swayed by the media’s portrayal of nonviolent protest in Southern Asia.

As the war drew on, more dissent accumulated while American morale dropped following the Tet Offensive and the expansion of the war into Cambodia. President Nixon’s Vietnamization Plan seemed to be a complete failure and many could no longer see reason for war. The movement turned to music as a number of significant artists began openly criticizing the war. Locations such as Haight-Ashbury Street were meccas for musical innovation and protest.

While “Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire had been the most noticeable inspiration for musical protest, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young earned terrific success with their song “Ohio” which objected to the killings of four unarmed students at Kent State. Other famous songs such as “Peace Train” by Cat Stevens, “Masters of War” by Bob Dylan, and “War” by Edwin Starr were instrumental in the musical portion of Vietnam dissent during the 1960’s.

• Born Robert Allen Zimmerman

• Winner of Grammy, Golden Globe, and Academy Award

• One of the leaders of the country/blues folk revival

• Wrote many songs with social commentary to improve nation and illustrate flaws

•Songs such as Masters of War, Blowin in the Wind, Hurricane, and The Times they are a Changing were all instrumental in the musical portion of social protest in the 1960’s.

Pete Seeger Born May 3, 1919 Member of the

United States Communist Party

Best known for his songs protesting violence: “If I had a Hammer,” and “Where have all the Flowers Gone”

He was born Steven Demetre Georgiou in London on 21 July 1948

Performed under the name Cat Stevens

Most known for his songs “The First Cut is the Deepest,” and “Peace Train” which called for world harmony

Converted to Islam in 1977 and changed his name to Yusuf Islam

Deported from the United States for potential ties to Hamas

“Think of all the hate there is in Red China, Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama. You may leave here for 4 days in space But when you return, it’s the same old place” * lyrics found in “Eve of Destruction”

•Barry McGuire was born on October 15, 1935

•Joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 16

•Most famous song “Eve of Destruction” made #1 on Billboard Charts

•The song was the most significant and influential musical inspiration for war protest during the 1960’s