Wartime Activism

Duke in Times of Conflict

During World War II, the Duke community united across academic departments to support the

country's troops, demonstrating campus-wide solidarity. However, during the Vietnam War, a

major shift occurred as anti-war sentiments grew, reflecting dissent against U.S. involvement in

global conflicts. This opposition, led by students, clashed with continued support for the military

from ROTC members. Anti-war activism intensified after the declaration of war on terrorism in

the early 2000s, particularly in opposition to the Iraq and Gulf Wars. Today, Duke's campus

remains a space for anti-war and peace protests, with Israel-Palestine activism continuing to

spark debate. As the issue of war and peace persists, Duke strives to navigate ways to support

students' voices in the midst of a deeply divisive topic.

Duke's Student Army Crops standing saluting, representing the University's contributions to World War l

1917: Armed Forces Training

During World War I, patriotism was both prominent and infectious, not only on Duke's campus but across the nation. In response, Duke established a Student Army Corps, where students underwent military drills, weaponry training, and strength and conditioning exercises in preparation for deployment to Germany following the United States' entry into the war in 1917.

1942: World War ll Support

In 1942, Duke participated in a war bond rally, held by our administration to garner support for the army. Students, faculty, and alumni all joined the national rush to support the war effort, and the school prepared to foster numerous training and research programs with government funding.

Duke students at a war bond rally to raise money for the country's war efforts during World War l

A unit of NROTC students who trained under the university's 12-week training program ready for deployment during World War l

1942: A United Campus Cause

In an effort to provide maximum support for American troops during World War II, Duke suspended its normal operations. The College of Engineering, in particular, played a pivotal role by offering an intensive 12-week training program through the NROTC to support the U.S. government’s military needs. Other departments, including Chemistry, also redirected their focus by dedicating their time, resources, and expertise to help advance the nation's war effort.

In 1942, Duke established a hospital army unit in an effort to contribute to the war efforts. Students from the newly formed nursing school underwent 15 months of rigorous training before being deployed to Suffolk, England. Known as the 65th General Hospital, this unit was staffed by a diverse group of faculty, alumni, and current and former house staff. During their deployment, they cared for over 17,000 patients.

The 65th nursing unit, trained at Duke's brand new hospital army, that was later deployed to England during World War l

Demonstration against Dow Chemical on February 5, 1969

1969: Dow Chemical Company Demonstration

In 1969, students protested on Duke's involvement in Dow Chemical Company, which played an active role in the Vietnam War. A recruiter from the company had recently visited campus to recruit students but refused to address their concerns about Dow's involvement in the war, particularly its production of napalm used in bomb-making. In response, student activists demanded that the university divest its holdings in Dow Chemical, calling for an end to its financial ties with a company.

1969: ROTC Conflict on Campus

Amid widespread anti-war sentiment on Duke's campus during the Vietnam War, the university's ROTC community sought to make their voices heard through a counter-protest. This aerial view of Wallace Wade Stadium captures a pro-war demonstration in 1969, at the height of America's involvement in Vietnam. In the image, a group of ROTC supporters marches toward a group of Student Liberation Front protesters, who are off-frame but are known to have disrupted the event in opposition to U.S. military involvement.

Members of the ROTC community at Duke counterprotest in Wallace Wade Stadium

Students and faculty participate in a demonstration to support the Vietnam Moratorium on May 6, 1970

1970: Vietnam Moratorium

As the United States' prolonged involvement in Vietnam continued, protests in the 1960s and 1970s were fueled by growing frustration over the country’s refusal to take responsibility for its actions in Southeast Asia. Duke students and faculty took part in a demonstration in support of the Vietnam Moratorium, calling for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Vietnam. The demonstration at Duke was one of many across the nation that helped propel the broader movement demanding an end to U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia.

1970: Sanford Opposes Vietnam Involvement

James Terry Sanford, who served as both governor and senator of North Carolina before becoming the 6th president of Duke, played a prominent role in advocating for an end to the Vietnam War. In this image, Sanford is seen speaking with Duke student activists who were protesting the war in 1970. A veteran of the U.S. Army and a recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, President Sanford addressed the demonstrators, many of whom were calling for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Southeast Asia.

Terry Sanford addresses a group of students who were protesting to end the US' involvement in the Vietnam War

CASC student activists protesting in front of the chapel

1984: Conflicting views on US intervention in Central America

In 1984 students from the Central American Solidarity Committee were holding a march commemorating Salvadorian Archbishop Oscar Romero, an activist opposing US military intervention in his country, when they were met with a counterprotest. These counterprotestors were students for a Democratic Central America. Activists from both parties handed out leaflets reflecting their conflicting ideologies.

1991: Anti-Gulf War Student Activism

Over 100 Duke students joined Durham Residents to march from East Campus to downtown post office, showcasing Gulf War demonstration. The Gulf War was an on-going war that took place in Iraq and was proplled into the spotlight after the invasion and occupation of Kuwait. The US played a large role in inciting violence against the Middle East by deploying mass number of troops and deploying bombs. Anti-Gulf War student activists mailed postcards asking President Bush to withdraw U.S. military from the Middle East. Police arrested 14 Duke students.

A group of Duke-affiliated protestors marching in Durham calling for the end of The Gulf War and the US' invasion of the Middle East

Chapel quad's anti-war demonstration after troops push into Iraq

2003: Students Gathering Against War in Iraq

In a powerful display of moral opposition to the Iraq War, 400 Duke students and faculty members walked out of their classes and gathered at Chapel Quad to protest the conflict. This demonstration at Duke mirrored the broader anti-war sentiment that was widespread during the Iraq War. The walkout and subsequent gathering symbolized a peaceful yet impactful form of dissent, expressing deep moral objections to military intervention. The involvement of both students and faculty underscored a collective commitment to speaking out against the war.

2007: ROTC's Simulation “DARWARS Ambush!”

In 2007, Duke's ROTC program implemented "DARWARS Ambush!", a military simulation aimed at preparing cadets for deployment in Iraq. This training tool replicated real-world war and combat scenarios, like ambushes and tactical vehicle attacks, in order to develop the skills and readiness required for wartime operations. This simulation highlighted practical military training and reflected the program's focus on combat preparedness amidst the ongoing Iraq War, showcasing pro-war sentiments on campus. While the program was seen as a way to enhance cadet capabilities, it also sparked debates about Duke's role in supporting military initiatives.

ROTC program's use of "DARWARS Ambush! simulation"

Pro-Israel groups display Israeli flags commemorating Oct. 7 deaths

2023: Israel-Palestine Conflict

Following the October 7th attack on Israel, students on both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict took to campus to demonstrate the personal impact of the war. Among events such as the Palestine "die-in," graduation walk-out, and vigil for lives lost on both sides of the conflict, this image captures the palpable tension and ongoing debate surrounding the issue. While Israeli students mourn the loss of Israeli civilians, pro-Palestine activists counter-protest, drawing attention to the lives lost on the Palestinian side as well.

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Maddie Davies, Charlie Berman, Andy Xu, and Youngwon Yoon researched war activism at Duke and created this portion of the online and in-person gallery exhibit.

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