Why was there so much American opposition to the Vietnam war?
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Why was there so much American opposition to the Vietnam war?
Many Americans opposed the war on moral grounds, appalled by the devastation and violence of the war. Others claimed the conflict was a war against Vietnamese independence, or an intervention in a foreign civil war; others opposed it because they felt it lacked clear objectives and appeared to be unwinnable.
How was American involvement in the Vietnam war different from World war 2?
Unlike the second world war, there was moral ambiguity in Vietnam. America faced an ill-defined enemy that was hard to distinguish from civilians. There were American atrocities and massacres of unarmed civilians. It was hard to portray this war as “good” versus “evil”, as had been the case during the Second World War.
Did any Americans support the Vietnam war?
Despite the growing antiwar movement, a silent majority of Americans still supported the Vietnam effort. Many admitted that involvement was a mistake, but military defeat was unthinkable. When Richard Nixon was inaugurated in January 1969, the nation was bitterly divided over what course of action to follow next.
Did Americans support the Vietnam war at first?
Lyndon Johnson ordered the first real combat by American troops, and Richard Nixon concluded the war. Only two members of the United States Congress voted against granting Johnson broad authority to wage the war in Vietnam, and most Americans supported this measure as well.
How did the US respond to the Vietnam War?
The US supported the strong anti-communist Ngo Dinh Diem and sent many troops to combat the north. U.S. objective in Vietnam. America feared that if a communist government was established Vietnam then the surrounding nations would become communist.
Which event sparked US involvement in WWII?
Germany’s attack on Pearl Harbor was one event that led to United States involvement in World War II.