Support And Oppostion To The War Flashcards
Patriotism
Americans were concerned to keep the the USA’s standing in the world as high as possible.Some Americans saw it as there duty to accept the authority of the government and to do their part in supporting their country.They believed that fighting communism was their patriotic obligation
Fear of Communism
Cold War made Americans paranoid of communist threat.Eisenhower talked about the Domino Theory at a news conference in 1954.To express his concerns about the spread of communism
Silent Majority
In a televised speech on 3 November 1969 Nixon argued that the great Silent Majority of A,erica s supported his vietnam policy.
He was proved right.A survey showed 77% of Americans backed his plans for Vietnam and this support meant
Congress passed resolutions approving Nixon’s approach in Vietnam.
Nixon showed the North Vietnamese that she had strong support,helping him persuade them to reach a settlement
Student Movement
Many students opposed the draft.
A new “counter culture” was emerging
Many young people rejected the attitudes pf previous generations and wanted social change
TV and media coverage
Media coverage was so importsnt to public perception of the conflict.Army was portrayed as killing the innocent
How did footage affect public opinion
Americans started to believe TV reporters more than politicians.As they thought they were more honest.There was geowing feeling the government could ‘t be trusted to keep public informed.Many Americans felt government was misrepresenting how the war was progressing
My Lai Massacre 1968
US troops killed at least 347 innocent possibly over 500.
Public reaction to the Massacre
People in Us did not know what to believe.Government was accused of withholsing info.
However photos of tne Massacre were released to CBS news,the public saw this as evidence of a serious cover up.US public were horrified.
