Vietnam moratorium: withdraw all troops now Accession Number: ARTV03048

Description

This poster was created in 1970 as part of the Vietnam Moratorium movement in Australia that was at its peak from 1969-1971. This poster was likely created for the first and largest of the Moratoria, which was held on 8 May 1970, with an estimated turnout of over 200,000 across Australia. The protests were largely organised by two groups in Australia: the Vietnam Moratorium Campaign (VMC), and the Congress for International Co-operation and Disarmament (CICD). The Moratoria were largely based off the American model, which had produced large protests on 15 October and 15 November 1969. The 8 May 1970 Moratorium in Australia came just four days after the Kent State Shootings in Ohio. At these protests to the Vietnam War, armed members of the Ohio National Guard opened fire on unarmed protestors leaving 4 dead and 9 injured.

Throughout its existence, the Moratorium movement identified itself by this sunburst symbol, which came to be used not only by the Moratorium but also by other organisations and groups which supported its aims. The sunburst symbol was chosen by the Moratorium conveners as a striking and memorable design, easily visible in crowds, an important criteria for an identifying badge. Moratorium posters were usually printed in strong colours, often orange and blue or vibrant red and black. This poster follows that common form with the sunburst symbol in white on a red background, surrounded by a black border within which is the text "VIETNAM MORATORIUM" "WITHDRAW ALL TROOPS NOW" "MORATORIUM!".

Details

Conflicts

• Vietnam, 1962-1975

Places

• Vietnam
• Australia

Tags

• Protest movements