An Overview of Canada and the Vietnam War

Introduction The Vietnam War had considerable effects on Canada, but Canada and Canadians also affected the war. The Canadian government did not participate in the war. It contributed to peacekeeping forces in 1973 to help enforce the Paris Peace Accords. Privately, some Canadians contributed to the war effort. Canadian corporations sold war material to the… Read More

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Who was Michael Matteson?

Introduction Michael Matteson was an anti-war activist who resisted conscription into the Australian Army during the Vietnam War, due to his anarchist philosophy and principles. Refer to Robert Martin. Outline In 1972, Matteson was being escorted by two Commonwealth policemen – handcuffed to one at each wrist – as he had previously taken part in… Read More

What is Conscription (in China)?

Introduction A conscription system is employed in China. In practice, mandatory military service has not been implemented since 1949 as the People’s Liberation Army has been able to recruit sufficient numbers voluntarily. Residents of the Special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, are exempted from joining the military. Registering for the Draft The Chinese system… Read More

What is the Selective Service System?

Introduction The Selective Service System (SSS) is an independent agency of the United States government that maintains information on those potentially subject to military conscription (i.e. the draft) and carries out contingency planning and preparations for two types of draft: A general draft based on registration lists of men aged 18-25; and A special-skills draft… Read More

What was the Berry Plan?

Introduction The Berry Plan was a Vietnam War-era programme in the United States that allowed physicians to defer obligatory military service until they had completed medical school and residency training. More than 42,000 physicians and surgeons were affected by the Berry Plan, named after Dr. Frank B. Berry, who served as the Assistant Secretary of… Read More