Keywords

Vietnam; Military; Dissent; Navy; Protest; GI Press

Abstract

This thesis explores the often-overlooked role of United States Navy personnel in the broader anti-Vietnam War movement. While civilian protests dominate historical narratives of the era, the impact of active-duty sailor resistance remains underexplored. To address this gap, this thesis examines shipboard and shore-based dissent to determine how Naval resistance influenced both military operations and domestic anti-war efforts. By conducting a historical analysis of primary source materials, including military records, underground press publications, and personal accounts, this research traces the evolution of sailor organizing and its intersections with civilian peace movements. The thesis shows that Naval dissent not only posed logistical and disciplinary challenges, disrupting operational readiness, but also provided crucial momentum and legitimacy to the wider anti-war cause. This thesis is vital because it challenges the perception of a unified military front during the Vietnam era and highlights the agency of service members in shaping political and social discourse. Ultimately, understanding the dynamics of this resistance broadens the historiography of military dissent and offers unique insights into the relationship between armed forces and civilian society during periods of national conflict.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Gannon, Barbara

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Department

History

Thesis Discipline

History

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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Rights Statement

In Copyright