Archives & Manuscripts #14 - International League of Antiquarian ...

26 (Vietnam). Archive of Vietnam War-era Broadsides and Ephemera Related to the Draft. San Francisco:
1966-68. $2500
An interesting assemblage of anti-draft material published in and around San Francisco during the Vietnam War between 1966 and 1968. The 94
items include 29 broadsides, 40 broadsheets, 17 pamphlets, and eight stapled newsletters issued by some of the most influential draft protestors of
the time including the Black Draft Counseling Union, the April 27th Mobilization Committee, Northern Clergy & Laymen Concerned About
Vietnam, Campus Progressive Party, Davis Defense Committee, SDS, First Unitarian Church, Jeannette Rankin Brigade, War Resisters League,
Lockman Defense Committee, and The Resistance. Overall near fine or better with some age toning, creasing, and tiny tears.
Protest groups began forming as early as 1964 in an attempt to convince the government to stop fighting in Vietnam. According to a Gallup poll
conducted in 1966, the war’s approval rating had dropped to 41%. As the situation overseas became more dire, anti-draft sentiment was on the
upswing. By broadcasting what they considered government atrocities these organizations were attempting to raise awareness and show average
Americans that their sons were dying in vain. One broadside from the Independent Socialist Club asks, “The army wants you - do you want the
army?” Another quotes Private George Davis, “I think I am being more patriotic to my country by refusing to go to war than by blindly following
orders.”
Within the collection are newsletters and editorials such as Robert McAfee Brown’s contribution to “Because of Vietnam” entitled “In conscience
I must break the law.” Of special note is a poster for the Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance Rally with Muhammad Ali, Vanessa Redgrave,
Jeannette Rankin, and Bobby Seale listed as speakers. There is also a graphic poster issued by the Black Draft Counseling Union with a burning
man surrounded by spectators asking, “Will you serve in the military and be a tool for white racism?” as well as the stapled program for Michael B.
Music’s Peace Liturgy.
An intriguing and extensive compilation of protest literature during the height of Vietnam War opposition detailing the reach of the grass roots
movements of the time. [BTC #384150]