Why was the Vietnam War unpopular with the American public?
The Vietnam War wasn't always unpopular with the American public. It was only when the fatality rates of American soldiers began increasing exponentially, with nothing to show for such sacrifice, that public opinion gradually began to turn against what seemed to be a never-ending conflict.
What did Vietnam Veterans Against the war argue for?
Speaking on behalf of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, he argued for the immediate, unilateral withdrawal of U.S. forces from Vietnam.
How did opposition to US involvement in the Vietnam War begin?
Opposition to United States involvement in the Vietnam War began with demonstrations in 1964 against the escalating role of the United States in the Vietnam War and grew into a broad social movement over the ensuing several years.
Why did the US support France in the Vietnam War?
Rather than remain united with the forces under Ho and work towards a unified Vietnam under communist leadership, the United States supported France and framed the developing conflict there within the context of a strategy of containment intended to limit communist expansionism supported by the Soviet Union (and, later, communist China).
Why were Asian Americans opposed to the Vietnam War?
Many Asian Americans were strongly opposed to the Vietnam War. They saw the war as being a bigger action of U.S. imperialism and "connected the oppression of the Asians in the United States to the prosecution of the war in Vietnam." Unlike many Americans in the anti-war movement, they viewed the war "not just as imperialist but specifically as anti-Asian." Groups like the Asian American Political Alliance (AAPA), the Bay Area Coalition Against the War (BAACAW), and the Asian Americans for Action (AAA) made opposition to the war their main focus. Of these organizations, the Bay Area Coalition Against the War was the biggest and most significant. One of the major reasons leading to their significance was that the BAACAW was "highly organized, holding biweekly ninety-minute meetings of the Coordinating Committee at which each regional would submit detailed reports and action plans." The driving force behind their formation was their anger at "the bombing of Hanoi and the mining of Haiphong Harbor ." Another aspect of the group's prevalence was the support of the Japanese Community Youth Center, members of the Asian Community Center, student leaders of Asian American student unions, etc. who stood behind it. The BAACAW members consisted of many Asians Americans and they were involved in antiwar efforts like marches, study groups, fundraisers, teach-ins and demonstrations. During marches, Asian American activists carried banners that read "Stop the Bombing of Asian People and Stop Killing Our Asian Brothers and Sisters." Its newsletter stated, "our goal is to build a solid, broad-based anti-imperialist movement of Asian people against the war in Vietnam."
Why did African Americans not want to join the war opposition movement?
In the beginning of the war, some African Americans did not want to join the war opposition movement because of loyalty to President Johnson for pushing Civil Rights legislation, but soon the escalating violence of the war and the perceived social injustice of the draft propelled involvement in antiwar groups.
How many medals were thrown away in the Vietnam War?
On April 23, 1971, Vietnam veterans threw away over 700 medals on the West Steps of the Capitol building. The next day, antiwar organizers claimed that 500,000 marched, making this the largest demonstration since the November 1969 march.
How many people were in the anti-war demonstrations in New York City?
On March 26, anti-war demonstrations were held around the country and the world, with 20,000 taking part in New York City. A Gallup poll shows that 59% believe that sending troops to Vietnam was not a mistake. Among the age group of 21–29, 71% believe it was not a mistake compared to 48% of those over 50.
What was the draft in the Vietnam War?
Vietnam War protesters in Wichita, Kansas, 1967. The draft, a system of conscription that mainly drew from minorities and lower and middle class whites, drove much of the protest after 1965.
What was the peace movement?
Many in the peace movement within the United States were children, mothers, or anti-establishment hippies.
How many people attended the March 24 protest?
On March 24, organized by professors against the war at the University of Michigan, a teach-in protest was attended by 2,500 participants. This model was to be repeated at 35 campuses across the country.
Why did Americans oppose the Vietnam War?
Some Americans opposed the war because they believed that it was an internal conflict—in effect, a civil war—in which the United States had no legitimate role.
What was the biggest objection to the Vietnam War?
A more deep-seated objection to the Vietnam War was the belief that the United States had no business getting itself mixed up in another country's internal affairs. It wasn't the business of young American boys to be sorting out a mess that the Vietnamese people themselves should be dealing with.
What events precipitated strong and widespread opposition?
Significant events that precipitated strong and widespread opposition were the incursion of American bombing raids into North Vietnam (1965) and the Tet offensive (1968) , both of which escalated the conflict and incensed Americans who watched vividly televised reports of it. Approved by eNotes Editorial Team.
What was the purpose of the war in the Pacific?
During the war in the Pacific, the United States allied itself with local guerrilla forces united for the common purpose of defeating Imperial Japan.
Which countries did the United States ally with during WW2?
The United States had no territorial ambitions in Southeast Asia, but its wartime ally France sought to recolonize the territories of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, which it had lost to Japanese invaders.
Who supplied the North Vietnamese army?
In fact, there was rarely agreement within the United States government and the armed forces regarding the optimal strategy and tactics with which to defeat the Viet Cong and, following the Viet Cong’s defeat, the North Vietnamese Army, which was supplied by the Soviet Union and China.
Was the Vietnam War always unpopular?
The Vietnam War wasn't always unpopular with the American public. It was only when the fatality rates of American soldiers began increasing exponentially, with nothing to show for such sacrifice, that public opinion gradually began to turn against what seemed to be a never-ending conflict.
What changed the way Americans saw the Vietnam War?
The campaign that changed how Americans saw the Vietnam War. The Tet Offensive began in stealth 50 years ago in Vietnam, but it ended up being splashed on television sets all over America. The North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong assaults in cities across what was then South Vietnam would become a military defeat for the communists.
Why did President Johnson tell journalists to focus on civilian rebuilding programs?
Some of President Johnson’s top advisers had been even more upbeat: one told an American journalist en route to Vietnam to concentrate on covering civilian rebuilding programs because the military part of the effort was being wrapped up.
Who was the Democratic challenger to President Johnson?
Within days, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy joined the Democratic challenge to President Johnson. As a young reporter, I was back in the Senate Caucus Room where I (then a high school copy boy at the old Washington Star) had watched his brother John F. Kennedy declare his candidacy in 1960.
What did the President say in his Sunday night address?
In a Sunday night television address, the president rejected Westmoreland’s call for a massive troop buildup, ordered a pause in the bombing of North Vietnam, called for a negotiation and concluded by saying he was bowing out of the re-election race.
When did Protestors demonstrate for full benefits for all US veterans, including Vietnam War veterans?
Protestors demonstrate for full benefits for all US veterans, including Vietnam War veterans in July, 1974.
How long did the Vietnam War last?
This was partly due to the logistics of the never-ending conflict. The Vietnam War lasted from 1964-1973—the longest war in American history until it was overtaken by the one in Afghanistan—and servicemen typically did one-year tours of duty. Unlike conflicts with massive demobilizations, men came back from Vietnam by themselves rather than with their units or companies. For a decade, as one person was shipped off to fight, another was returning.
How many people died in the Vietnam War?
A group of amputee Vietnam veterans talk together at a hospital in San Francisco, California, 1967. The Vietnam War claimed the lives of more than 58,000 American service members and wounded more than 150,000.
What do veterans say on 9/11?
Since 9/11, patriotic gestures, like wearing flag pins and saying, “Thank you for your service,” have become common, as more troops are sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. But the specter of Vietnam still lingers, and some of that war’s veterans view such acts with a wary glance.
When was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial dedicated?
The dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982 began the process, but many identify the Gulf War of 1990-91—with its national flag-waving, yellow-ribbon cultural mobilization and the grand celebrations of a successful campaign—as ending Vietnam Syndrome. “The Vietnam veterans, we couldn’t believe it.
How much did the Vietnam War cost?
During President Johnson’s administration, the war was costing the US $20 million per year. The cost of training, supplying and transporting troops, as well as the cost of weapons was draining the US economy.
Why did many American students want to take a stand against the older generation?
Many American students wanted to take a stand against the older generation. They believed they were out of touch and that the government was abusing its power. Many supported the Civil Rights Movement, while others felt it was wrong to be fighting at all.
Why did Muhammad Ali have his boxing title revoked?
Muhammad Ali had his boxing title revoked as a result of his refusal to fight in the war.
Which countries were critical of the war?
Allies of the USA gave limited support. Capitalist countries such as Britain and France were critical of the war, especially Operation Rolling Thunder. Although set up by the USA to prevent the spread of communism in that part of the world, SEATO (The South East Asia Treaty Organisation) provided little backing.
Which countries provided soldiers during WW2?
Only Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and the Philippines provided any soldiers. Even then, only a small number actually contributed, compared to the US commitment. The USA is a democracy, where politicians rely on the support of the masses. This meant that the continuation in the war became politically unviable.
What was the first major war to be televised and documented through the media?
The Vietnam War was the first major war to be televised and documented through the media. Images of warfare and dead or wounded American soldiers brought the war home. Additionally, photographs of children covered in napalm, burn victims and the evidence of My Lai, all shocked the American public. These brutal images destroyed the US government’s claim that they were fighting a war against an immoral enemy.
What was the political opposition to the Vietnam War?
Political opposition. North Vietnamese forces seize the Presidential Palace. The American Government spent vast amounts of money on the war that could have been spent on domestic problems. Some politicians who had supported the war to begin with, such as Robert McNamara, began to turn against American involvement.
Why did the US not win the war?
Another major reason why the USA could not win the war was the lack of support at home from the American public. The huge protest movement divided the country. A major pro–war movement also erupted. Many veterans of the war called the anti–war protesters traitors and communists. Opposition to the war came from a number of sources ...
What was the opposition to the South Vietnamese government?
Opposition to support for the South Vietnamese Government. The South Vietnamese Government, which the Americans were committed to defending was revealed as corrupt and anti–democratic. Many Americans questioned how the American Government could justify standing up for this oppressive regime.
Why did the USA fight for freedom?
The USA was meant to fight to protect freedom and democracy. It became clear that the Vietnamese peasants did not welcome American troops. Many Americans questioned why their country was involved if the local population did not want them there.
What was the opposition to the draft?
Opposition to the 'Draft'. The 'Draft' was the conscription of American men into the US army and lasted from 1954-1975. As sons, brothers and fathers went to war, people began to question whether it was worth it. Draft Law hit African Americans hardest.
What was the greatest struggle of the Cold War era?
The Vietnam War was the greatest struggle of the Cold War era and the only major military defeat in United States history. previous. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Why did Muhammad Ali have his boxing title revoked?
Muhammad Ali had his boxing title revoked for refusing to fight in the war.
Overview
Public opinion
The American public's support of the Vietnam War decreased as the war continued on. As public support decreased, opposition grew.
The Gallup News Service began asking the American public whether it was a "mistake to send troops to Vietnam" in August 1965. At the time less than a quarter of Americans polled, 24%, believed it was a mistake to send troops to …
Background
The draft, a system of conscription that mainly drew from minorities and lower and middle class whites, drove much of the protest after 1965. Conscientious objectors played an active role despite their small numbers. The prevailing sentiment that the draft was unfairly administered fueled student and blue-collar American opposition to the military draft.
History
Protests bringing attention to "the draft" began on May 5, 1965. Student activists at the University of California, Berkeley marched on the Berkeley Draft board and forty students staged the first public burning of a draft card in the United States. Another nineteen cards were burnt on May 22 at a demonstration following the Berkeley teach-in. Draft card protests were not aimed so much at the draft as a…
Characteristics
As the Vietnam War continued to escalate, public disenchantment grew and a variety of different groups were formed or became involved in the movement.
African-American leaders of earlier decades like W. E. B. Du Bois were often anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist. Paul Robeson weighed in on the Vietnamese struggle in 1954, calling Ho Chi Minh "the modern day Toussaint L'Overture, lead…
Political responses
In October 1967 the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held hearings on resolutions urging President Johnson to request an emergency session of the United Nations security council to consider proposals for ending the war.
In January 1971, just weeks into his first term, Congressman Ron Dellums set up a Vietnam war crimes exhibit in an annex to his Congressional office. The exhibit featured four large posters de…
General effects
The opposition to the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War had many effects, which arguably led to the eventual end of the involvement of the United States. Howard Zinn, a controversial historian, states in his book A People's History of the United States that, "in the course of the war, there developed in the United States the greatest antiwar movement the nation had ever experienced…
Timeline
• On May 12, twelve young men in New York publicly burned their draft cards to protest the war.
• August – Prompted by the Gulf of Tonkin incident, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.
• In December 1964, Joan Baez leads six hundred people in an antiwar demonstration in San Francisco.