Rights and freedoms

First Vietnam moratorium march

08 May 1970

Thousands of Australians protest the Vietnam War and conscription.

Over 200,000 people took part in the first Vietnam moratorium marches. They hoped to end the war in Vietnam and stop the conscription of young men to fight in the war. The movement had started small and built slowly as anti-conscription groups started to work together. The peaceful rallies in May and September 1970 and June 1971 showed the power of the community when it came together to protest government policies.

The ongoing importance of the moratorium rallies has been their demonstration of the power of participatory democracy. The whole spectrum of Australian society – including students, workers, academics and churchgoers – joined together to speak out about a decision that impacted their lives. The experience changed Australians’ ideas about political engagement and the power of people working together.

The Canberra demonstration was held two days before the main one around Australia … It was a feeling of marching along with people all of a like mind, a sense that finally opinion was starting to flow our way … one was gladdened by the sight of secretaries [of] departments, … public servants, some people from blue-collar sections of the community, marching together.
Protestor Alan Gould interviewed for the television series Australians at War, 15 May 2000 
A group of people holding signs. The backs of two men wearing uniforms can be seen watching the crowd.

Protest in Canberra against the Vietnam War, 1970

National Archives of Australia: A1200, L85635

Protest in Canberra against the Vietnam War, 1970

A group of people holding signs. The backs of two men wearing uniforms can be seen watching the crowd.

National Archives of Australia: A1200, L85635

Description

This photograph shows a demonstration against the Vietnam War outside Provisional (Old) Parliament House in Canberra. It was taken during the visit to Australia of United States Vice President Spiro Agnew in 1970.

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