The draft lottery for the Vietnam War introduced a new era in the United States' approach to military conscription. Prior to this event, the draft system had been criticized for perceived biases and inequities. To address these concerns, the government organized a lottery system whereby young men aged 18 to 26 would be selected based on their birth dates. Conducted at the Selective Service System headquarters in Washington, D.C., the lottery sought to create a more equitable draft process during a contentious time in American history. This shift came amid growing anti-war sentiment, which had been fueled by the increasing number of U.S. troops in Vietnam and the high casualties resulting from the conflict.

Lottery participants gathered around television sets as the event was broadcast live, creating a moment of national tension. The results of the lottery had a profound impact on many lives, as those whose birth dates were drawn could be drafted to serve in the ongoing Vietnam War. The introduction of the lottery was intended to minimize deferments and ensure that service was based more purely on chance rather than social class or education. As such, it resulted in a significant change in public perception regarding the draft and the war itself, prompting widespread discussions and protests across the nation.

As the year progressed, the ramifications from the lottery and the ensuing draft selections became a focal point in the anti-war movement. Protests erupted in cities across the country, further galvanizing those opposed to U.S. involvement in Vietnam. The lottery system itself remained a controversial initiative, as many questioned the morality of conscripting individuals into a divisive and unpopular war, all based on the luck of a draw. The draft lottery culminated in changes to how military service was perceived and executed in the U.S. into the 1970s.