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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Vietnam Debate Escalation
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Vietnam Debate Escalation

Artifact ID1973.1.1210
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Date ca. March 1968
Medium Ink and developer on Craftint paper
DimensionsOverall H 13 1/4 in x W 11 in (33.7 cm x 27.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ and six other men (identifiable as Everett Dirksen, Bobby Kennedy, J. William Fulbright, Dean Rusk, Mike Mansfield, Wayne Morse) all have large lumps on their heads. Caption: “Vietnam Debate Escalation”. Additional text at lower right: “-March 12, 1968”. Artist signature lower left: "Zschiesche Greensboro Daily News”.
Historical NotePro-war “hawks” supported escalating the war to stop the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia. Pro-war figures believed that the war could be won if the United States had enough public support. Anti-war “doves” included both people who opposed the war ideologically, considering it to be unjust, and people who just believed the war was unwinnable. The number of doves increased over the course of the war. New York Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman J. William Fulbright, Oregon Senator Wayne Morse, and Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield were doves, while Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen and Secretary of State Dean Rusk were hawks.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced Everett Dirksen (United States, 1896 - 1969)
Person Referenced J. William Fulbright (United States, 1905 - 1995)
Person Referenced Robert F. Kennedy (United States, 1925 - 1968)
Person Referenced Mike Mansfield (United States, 1903 - 2001)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Person Referenced Wayne Morse (United States, 1900 - 1974)
Person Referenced Dean Rusk (United States, 1909 - 1994)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Subjects
Vietnam War
Place of Publication
Greensboro
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