Overview

The 1969 draft lottery was a major event in the Vietnam War that was meant to provide more U.S. troops for the war effort and correct the perceived inequities in who was drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces. As we currently have an all-volunteer military, many students may not know about the history of the draft in the United States. This handout provides background information on the draft in the United States, explains the purpose of the 1969 draft lottery, and gives interesting details on how the draft functioned. Use this worksheet to provide students with useful background for The Things They Carried and especially the chapter/story “On the Rainy River.” Encourage discussion and debate in your classroom about the issues described in the handout and allow students to express personal experiences and opinions as appropriate.

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