By 1970, the Vietnam War was the longest military engagement Australia had ever participated in. Many ordinary Australians were opposed to it. Successful rallies had been held in the United States, and inspired groups in Australia to stage similar events. With aims to force a withdrawal of Australian troops from Vietnam, and to repeal the National Service Act (1964) which required all 20 year old men to register for military service. Men were selected by a ballot based on birth dates and would serve for two years in a regular army unit. The first national moratorium to not only oppose the war but to oppose conscription took place in May 1970 with over 200,000 people taking part across the country.
History Trust of South Australia, HT 86.880
