Which event brought momentum to the movement to lower the voting age from 21 to 18: the Persian Gulf War, the Vietnam War, World War I, or the Korean War?

The Vietnam War brought momentum to the movement to lower the voting age from 21 to 18. This occurred during the 1960s and early 1970s, when there was a powerful argument being made that if 18-year-olds were old enough to be drafted and fight in a war, then they should also have the right to vote. The slogan "old enough to fight, old enough to vote" became a rallying cry for this movement. The issue gained enough support to result in the passage of the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1971, which lowered the voting age nationwide to 18.

Extra: The debate around lowering the voting age was intensified by the Vietnam War because of the draft. The draft required young men, including those who were 18, to serve in the military and potentially risk their lives, yet they had no say in the electoral process that could influence the policies and politicians responsible for the war. The 26th Amendment was passed in record time, reflecting the urgency and widespread support for this change. The amendment not only allowed an expanded population to participate in the democratic process, but it also reflected changing perceptions about young adults and their capacity to influence politics and society. The 26th Amendment stands as a significant milestone in the United States, highlighting the connection between citizenship rights, responsibilities, and the age at which individuals are deemed mature enough to be granted such rights.