Why was the My Lai massacre significance?
The My Lai massacre was one of the most horrific incidents of violence committed against unarmed civilians during the Vietnam War. The brutality of the My Lai killings and the official cover-up fueled anti-war sentiment and further divided the United States over the Vietnam War.
When Did My Lai massacre happen?
March 16, 1968
Mỹ Lai massacre/Start dates
On March 16, 1968 the angry and frustrated men of Charlie Company, 11th Brigade, Americal Division entered the Vietnamese village of My Lai. “This is what you’ve been waiting for — search and destroy — and you’ve got it,” said their superior officers. A short time later the killing began.
How did the My Lai massacre happen?
Massacre at My Lai. Shortly before 7:30 am on March 16, 1968, Son My village was shelled by U.S. artillery. The preparatory barrage was intended to clear a landing area for Charlie Company’s helicopters, but its actual effect was to force those civilians who had begun leaving the area back to My Lai in search of cover.
How did the army cover up the My Lai massacre?
American soldiers stabbed, clubbed, and carved “C [for Charlie] Company” into the chests of their victims; and herded them into ditches and blew them to bits with grenades. One soldier recalled cutting victims’ throats and chopping off their hands.
How many American soldiers died in the My Lai massacre?
Between 347 and 504 unarmed people were killed by U.S. Army soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment and Company B, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 11th Brigade, 23rd (Americal) Infantry Division.
What event happened at My Lai that profoundly shocked America?
What event happened at My Lai that profoundly shocked Americans? Unarmed Vietnamese civilians were massacred by U.S. troops.
Who was president during the My Lai massacre?
President Richard Nixon
Two days later, President Richard Nixon made the controversial decision to have Calley released from armed custody at Fort Benning, Georgia, and put under house arrest pending appeal of his sentence.
Why did protesters consider the draft system unfair?
The draft was viewed as unequal because the working class man’s only choice was to go to war, while the wealthy men would go to college or enlist in the National Guard. By the end of the 1960’s the nation was fed up with the war, and they were angry with how the war itself was being carried out.
How did they cover up My Lai massacre?
On March 18, 1969, almost one year to the day of the massacre, Ridenhour sent a letter to 30 Washington officials detailing the My Lai massacre. Two investigations—one focused on establishing whether a massacre had occurred; the other into a potential cover up by Army brass—were launched.
WHO reported My Lai?
By John H. Cushman Jr. Ronald L. Ridenhour, the Vietnam veteran who in 1969 first disclosed the My Lai massacre of Vietnamese civilians by United States Army troops, died yesterday in Metairie, La.
Why were the Vietcong so successful against the United States?
They were extremely successful because they had very good and vital knowledge of the forests and jungles and were able to protect their supplies from damage by using the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
What are three reasons why protestors opposed the Vietnam War?
Chapter 22- Section 3 US History
| A | B |
|---|---|
| for what reasons did the protestors oppose the Vietnam war | the believed it was a civil war and not meant for the US; S. Vietnamese weren’t any better than the communists; morally unjust |
| who else lent their voices to the antiwar movement? | returning vets, folk singers |
What were the causes of the my Lai Massacre?
The My Lai Massacre was mainly caused by a lack of proper training for the soldiers in the Charlie Company, multiple misunderstandings between the Charlie Company soldiers and their commanding officers, stress and tension, and numerous racial barriers that separated the Vietnamese from the Americans.
What was the outcome of the my Lai Massacre?
The My Lai Massacre resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Vietnamese. When the nation learned of the atrocities committed by American Soldiers, their opinions of the military were forever changed.
Which soldiers committed the my Lai Massacre?
The soldiers who committed this atrocity were Americans. The only person who was actually convicted of and punished for participating in the My Lai Massacre was Lt. William Calley . He was the commander of the platoon that committed the atrocity.
How many people died at my Lai?
A company of American soldiers brutally killed most of the people—women, children and old men—in the village of My Lai on March 16, 1968. More than 500 people were slaughtered in the My Lai massacre, including young girls and women who were raped and mutilated before being killed.