Final answer:
The statement that student protests against the Vietnam War were exclusively American is false. Protests were present in various countries, not just in the U.S., where groups like the Students for a Democratic Society were prominent. The anti-war sentiment was part of a larger international movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
While student protests against the Vietnam War were indeed a significant part of American history, claiming they were exclusively American is false. Active student protests were present in various Western countries, challenging their governments' positions and policies related to the Vietnam War.
In the United States, one of the major student organizations involved in organizing protests was the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). Their actions exemplified a broader international anti-war sentiment.
The protests reflected the deep divisions and the wide range of opinions about the war. Students became involved in the movement for a variety of reasons, ranging from moral objections to practical concerns about being drafted. They formed coalitions such as the New Left, which sought radical changes and immediate withdrawal from Vietnam, differing from the more moderate views of liberals who supported some Cold War policies.
In conclusion, the characterization of student protests against the Vietnam War as an exclusively American phenomenon is a misconception. These movements were part of a global wave of opposition to the war, manifested in various societies.