Vietnam War Controversy and Civil Rights Movement

Subject: History
Pages: 2
Words: 318
Reading time:
2 min

After Martin Luther King Jr. revealed his stance on the Vietnam War, it triggered a sequence of controversies. Many individuals, both powerful and regular, actively criticized King’s views by telling him to focus on his non-violent and anti-racism battle. Although he realized that his anti-Vietnam movement could weaken the African American struggle for freedom, he felt obliged to intervene. Thus, its impact was manifested in King’s assassination and the birth of the Black Panther Party.

It is important to note that King’s reveal of his anti-Vietnam War stance was a major trigger of escalation. He lost numerous White support groups and followers due to the fact that it angered a large portion of the population. King’s assassination did not result in the unification of African American activists but an increase in the level of disparity and division. However, everything changed with the emergence of the Black Panther Party, which made African American freedom struggle more organized and precise. The given movement had a clear 10-point platform and four main programs, which primarily aimed at police equality, health, and education. The Black Panther Party also heavily supported disadvantaged groups, such as women and homosexual people, by giving a speech in favor of the liberation movements of these minorities. Thus, these events made the party more inclusive and united by bringing in not only Black communities but also others who were victims of discrimination.

In conclusion, it is crucial to point out the fact that the Vietnam War controversy led to the outrageous assassination of King and the formation of the Black Panther Party. The death of the non-violent movement leader was caused by an increase of opposition, which was triggered by King’s reveal of his anti-Vietnam War stance. Although the given event was followed by more disparities and division, the emergence of the Black Panther movement brought unification.