Summary

Alternative Name(s): Button

This badge was made circa 1969 - 1970 and used in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1969 - 1973. It was worn by donor during anti-Vietnam war and anti-conscription rallies. The raised fist has been an enduring symbol of unity and solidarity. However, the New Left movement of the 1960s, specifically in America, is credited with giving it this new treatment: it appears stylised, isolated, simple, on a plain background. The slogan conveys the the idea that the Vietnam War was motivated by an American desire to build a vast empire.The phrase itself was a ubiquitous one in the anti-Vietnam campaign, but has since been adopted by other movements that criticise American foreign policy. The fact that Laos and Cambodia are mentioned alongside Vietnam refers to the fact that the conflict crossed national borders and the U.S. forces bombed these territories as well when the war peaked in 1968. The donor assembled the collection this badge is part of during his days of student activism at Monash University.

Physical Description

Red badge with black fist in centre and black text at top and bottom perimeters.

More Information