, Research Paper
The opinions on the Vietnam War were split in America from the beginning to the end. It proved to be the most controversial war America had ever experienced. In the early 60s, most Americans were very ignorant about Vietnam. They just saw it as a little concern. They were an extremely confident nation who had never lost a war to date, and whose resources were limitless. So they naturally assumed that all their weapons and firepower would ensure victory in a couple of months. Patriotism was very strong in America at that time. Many people remembered the McCarthy trials of the 1950?s, so people were extremely aware of the anti-Communist feelings in the country in the early 1960?s.Most Americans believed the ?Domino Theory? during these years, and so most were in favour of military involvement. So part of the support to military involvement was down to ignorance and arrogance. The ?Gulf of Tonkin Resolution? of 1964, illustrated how people felt about military action. This resolution gave President Johnson the power to go to any measure he thought necessary to defend ?freedom? in South East Asia. Only 2 people ion the whole of congress didn?t vote for Johnson to have free rein in Indo China. This shows they were extremely keen to get involved.However, The opinions differed depending on where you were in the country. For example, the Mid-West and southern counties were very conservative and patriotic, therefore pro war. But if you headed to the coasts, for example California, San Francisco or New York, you would find more democratic and liberal attitudes.The generation gap also played a part in the differing opinions. The older generation was mostly pro war after their experience of World War Two. This had been mostly a positive experience for them, and had brought prosperity to the country. They still retained the more conservative attitudes of the 1930?s and 40?s. But, young people were playing an increasingly more important part in public opinion on the war at that tmie. Youth culture came to the forefront during the 60s. It had already begun to take hold during the 1950s, with figures such as Elvis Presley capturing the heart of teenagers across the country. This was because the wealth of America had lead to young people having more money to spend on music and fashion, and so they had more say in the country. Thye had more liberal attitudes and were concerned with freedom of speech and self-expression. During this young people threw time traditional values out of the window and it was a period of huge social change in all areas of society. For example it was the time of women?s liberation and the sexual revolution with the introduction of contraception such as ?the pill?. This was all part of young people?s struggle against authority, and so as you can imagine, the idea of a war was not going to go down too well. Part of young people?s negative attitude to the war was connected with the desire to rebel against their parent?s ideas and values. One thing that made Vietnam unpopular with young people was conscription, which came in at this time. Boys would receive their draft cards on their 18th birthdays. Children of the rich were sometimes able to dodge the draft by being sent abroad, but on the whole, this made the war much more unpopular because the armed forces were being filled with people who didn?t want to be there. This led to low morale in the army.The mid-sixties was also the period of Black Rights in America. Inspirational leaders such as Martin Luther King, encouraged black people and in fact, many other white people across the world, to stand up for individual rights and justice. Many felt that the US was going against these beliefs by their actions in Vietnam. Proportionally, more black people were sent into Vietnam than white, despite the fact that they only made up 15% of the population. This was partly due to the wealth factor, as more white people could afford to defer the draft, and so the army ended up consisting of the poorer sectors of society. This led to resentment and racism was a strong feature of the war, which increased its unpopularity. People began to see the war as dirty and corrupt.The late 60s showed a real shift in public opinion. The Tet Offensive of 1968 humiliated the government. The army and the public lost respect for their leaders and it lost all credibility. It became apparent to everyone that the USA couldn?t win the war. The previous year, the Defence Secretary, Robert McNamara resigned saying that America couldn?t win, so morale was already low by this stage. It sent an extremely negative message to the army and the public, and they couldn?t see why soldiers were still being sent in. Another example of government losing confidence was that Johnson, previously one of the main supporters of the war, refused to stand for re-election, which showed everyone that he realised America had made a mistake.One factor that was important in the change in opinion was the media. Vietnam was the only war where the press had total free access. They sent horrifying images into the homes of every American through TV. They could see all the blood and guts, and it brought the war into the public?s faces. This was very damaging to the war effort, and was the first time the Americans had see war without the Hollywood facade. They saw the use of Nepalm, Agent Orange, the devastation of the intensified bombing, night after night, and it ground on them. In 1969, the media brought the My Lai Massacre to the public?s attention. This shocked the world, and created yet more opposition to the war. America began to realise their unpopularity throughout the world.Also, by the late 60s, the ?Hippies? were becoming more widespread. With their pacifist attitudes, (for example ?Make Love, Not War?), they held more and more protests against Vietnam, for example outside of the American Embassy.Not only that, Vietnam was so expensive that it was sending the Us economy into recession, and people were having to pay higher taxes in order to fund it. Prosperity was in danger, which caused resentment for the war.In 1971, an opinion poll was done in America on whether the public thought that Vietnam was morally wrong. Sixty percent answered yes, but still forty percent said no. So there was still a large core of the population that believed in the Vietnam War. Therefore, in conclusion, although there was a dramatic shift in opinion, and much opposition to it supported by leading figures in government and pop culture, much of America supported the war effort.
Другие работы по теме:
The US Involvement In Vietnam And The
Philippines Essay, Research Paper The US involvement in Vietnam and The Philippines Introduction Ever since the ?New Imperialist? era, the United States of America has become quite a large Neo-Imperialist power, particularly in The Philippines and also Vietnam. In order to understand this report the term Neo-Imperialism must be explained, this is when one country gives aid to another country in which the country that recieves aid becomes independent on the helping country.
The Quiet American Essay Research Paper Book
The Quiet American Essay, Research Paper Book Report Author: Graham Greene Titles of some other works by the same author: a.o.: A Burnt-Out Case, The Power and the Glory, The Heart of the
Vietnam War Essay Research Paper The discussion
Vietnam War Essay, Research Paper The discussion of the Vietnam War and its affect on Americans. In this regard, the opinions and experiences of those who fought in the war, as well as those who stayed at
Vietnam Essay Research Paper Harold
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper Harold “Light Bulb” Bryant’s portrayals of life in the Vietnam War offend the human race. Not so much the actions Bryant displayed, but the demeanor of the U.S. armed forces. Through Bryant’s stories one comes to the conclusion that war made these people completely mad, and lost every bit of morality.
MadeUp Nixon Speech Essay Research Paper My
Made-Up Nixon Speech Essay, Research Paper My fellow Americans, I come to you tonight to ask for a hand to lend in my aide. I know that a great number of the silent majority would like to see the Vietnam war to finally come to a close. And, because of my campaign promise, I am standing here tonight to inform you that I have a plan of action that I shall use to uphold that promise.
U.S.A Was Unable To Win The Vietnam
War Because… Essay, Research Paper The U.S.A was unable to win the Vietnam War because they realised too late that the real war in Vietnam was not a military one but a political one.
In 1969 The Plane Came Back Essay
, Research Paper In Kathryn L. Scott?s paper ?In 1969 The Plane Came Back? she addresses the issue of the affect of the Vietnam war on those who served in it.
Logical Intervention In Vietna Essay Research Paper
Logical Intervention in Vietnam American military intervention in Vietnam has always been a highly controversial issue. Many Americans were against intervention in Vietnam. Many Americans question rather the United States should have ever sent troops to Southeast Asia, and if intervention was the correct action, based on foreign policy and bipartisan ideas.
Australia In The VIetnam War Essay Research
Paper The only time Australia has come under direct attack from another country, was when Japan bombed Darwin and sunk a number of ships in Sydney, during World War 2. The question then has
Vietnam Essay Research Paper Vietnam is a
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper Vietnam is a country 9000 miles away from the United States. Yet America felt that its national interest to protect the peace in south Asia and stop communist was threatened strongly enough to fight a war there. Therefore, American considered that the establishment of the “Iron Curtain” of Europe must be stopped to happen again in Asia.
Home Before Morning Essay Research Paper The
Home Before Morning Essay, Research Paper The Vietnam conflict was one of the harshest, most savage wars in the history of the world. It was also the only time in military history that the
Vietnam Essay Research Paper During 1954 to
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper During 1954 to 1965, America became more involved for several important reasons, the most important one is that America feared Vietnam would expand communism all over Asia. Throughout these years the USA could have retreat and stopped giving aid to South Vietnam, but didn’t, as the Presidents wanted to maintain there stature of strength and not let Russia think they were weaker.
Vietnam Essay Research Paper FOSTER1The Vietnam War
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper FOSTER1 The Vietnam War is probably the most questionable of all American wars. First, it is morally deceptive. It was both a war against communism and a war to suppress nationalist self-determination. Second, it can be (and was) very confusing. American objectives were not always well defined.
Short Summary Of Vietnam Essay Research Paper
Vietnam was a struggle which, in all honesty, the United States should never have been involved in. North Vietnam was battling for ownership of South Vietnam, so that they would be a unified communist nation. To prevent the domino effect and the further spread of communism, the U.S. held on to the Truman Doctrine and stood behind the South Vietnamese leader, Diem.
Vietnam Essay Research Paper Vietnam should the
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper Vietnam: should the U.S. have been involved? The Vietnam War created a great deal of controversy in America. Did America really have to sacrifice thousands of lives and millions of dollars? Was it America s duty to be involved in Vietnams affairs? Questions such as these are what derived such a constant debate during the time of the Vietnam War.
New York Times Co Vs United States
Essay, Research Paper New York Times Co. v. United States U.S. Supreme Court, 1971 The New York Times printed allegedly classified documents that leaked from the Pentagon
Vietnam Poetry Essay Research Paper Two Stories
Vietnam Poetry Essay, Research Paper Two Stories of Vietnam My essay is a comparison of a song and a poem about the Vietnam war. The song is “Goodnight Saigon” written by Billy Joel and the poem is “No Word Spoken” by Edward J. Domaleski. These two are very different but revolve around one main point; the American soldiers experience in the Vietnam war.
American Dream Of The Soldiers Of The
Vietnam War Essay, Research Paper ?When we first got here–all of us–we were real young and innocent, full of romantic bullshit, but we learned pretty damn quick.? This quote was extracted from the
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Afflicting Vietnam Veterans
Essay, Research Paper Post Traumatic Stress Disorder afflicts a number of vietnam veterans who suffered extremely traumatic, and often consistent, experiences in the vietnam war. Many who do not understand the disorder at all view PTSD(post traumatic stress disorder) as an elaborate diagnosis for a vague set of symptoms that would otherwise be associated with other psycological problems.
Vietnam Essay Research Paper Since during the
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper Since during the Vietnam War there has been debate on whether the United States was right to become involved in the conflict. Some say that we were wrong to become involved in what was an internal conflict among the people of Vietnam. Others feel that we followed the natural course and that involvement was not only wrong, but also justified.
Vietnam Essay Research Paper VietnamBy the late
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper Vietnam By the late 1960s, the conflict in Vietnam had escalated to a limited war involving approximately half a million military personnel and billions of dollars a year. The American presence in Indochina had steadily
Lyndon Johnson Analysis Essay Research Paper Overall
Lyndon Johnson Analysis Essay, Research Paper Overall Rating of the President The assassination of President Kennedy elevated Lyndon Johnson to the White House, where he quickly proved a masterful, reassuring leader in the realm of domestic affairs. His main achievements shone through on his stand against the injustice directed towards minorities, and through his Great Society policy.
American Revolution Essay Research Paper Q
American Revolution Essay, Research Paper Q: Explain why Japan reacted to western ideas by adopting a policy of isolation. How did this reaction to outside influences effect Japans development over the next few centuries.
Platoon Truth Or Fiction Essay Research Paper
The Vietnam War was a military struggle fought in Vietnam from 1959 to 1975. It began as a determined attempt by Communist society (called Vietcong) in the South, backed by Communist North Vietnam, to overthrow the government of South Vietnam. The struggle widened into a war between South Vietnam and North Vietnam and eventually into an international conflict.
Vietnam Essay Research Paper Against the celebrated
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper -Against the celebrated and glorious backdrop of American history, the Vietnam War stands ghastly out of place. The war was an exercise in economic, military, and political futility. The greatest tragedy of the Vietnam War, however, stems from the unnecessary deaths of 58 000 young American boys and the installment of terror, mistrust, and sorrow in those who found a way to survive in an inferno where the laws of man were obsolete.
Lessons Of The Vietnam War Essay Research
Paper Lessons of the Vietnam War ?American imperialism has suffered a stunning defeat in Indochina. But the same forces are engaged in another war, against a much less resilient enemy, the American people. Here, the prospects for sucess are much greater. The battleground is idealogical, not military. At stake are the lessons to be drawn from the American war in Indochina; the outcome will determine the course and character of new imperial ventures.?
Antiwar Movment In Vietnam Essay Research Paper
The antiwar movement against Vietnam in the US from 1965-1971 was the most significant movement of its kind in the nation’s history. The United States first became directly involved in Vietnam in 1950 when President Harry Truman started to underwrite the costs of France’s war against the Viet Minh. Later, the presidencies of Dwight Eisenhower and John F.
Desert Storm Compare And Contrast To Vietnam
War Essay, Research Paper Desert Storm and Vietnam were portrayed in the media are similar because in each the American soldiers had confidence when fighting, both were on tv, journalists and reporters were with soldiers on the battlefield. They were different because Desert Storm lasted six weeks and Vietnam was ten years plus.
Lyndon B Johnson Essay Research Paper Lyndon
Lyndon B. Johnson Essay, Research Paper Lyndon B. Johnson and American Liberalism Bruce J. Schulman This brief biography of Lyndon Johnson outlined his life beginning in rural Texas and followed the ups and downs of his political career. It discusses his liberal, “active government” mentality and its implications on both domestic and foreign issues.
Nixon And The Vietnam War Essay Research
Paper Richard Nixon and The Vietnam War Entering the executive office in 1969, Richard Milhaus Nixon would have to “pick up the slack” of his predecessor Lyndon Johnson who had left office while the Vietnam War was still waging on. Expected to be the “peaceful-president”, Nixon was visualized by many Americans as being the one who would put an end to the war in Southeast Asia and bring American troops home.
My Lai Essay Research Paper THE MY
My Lai Essay, Research Paper THE MY LAI MASSACRE Boys will be boys. A commonly use quote. So what happens when a group of young men, who have just seen their best friend killed, goes on a search and destroy mission to face a village full of strangers from a distant land? You get the My Lai massacre. The whole village was wiped out by the US Eleventh Light Infantry Brigade.
Why Did The Usa Become Involved In
Vietnam In The 1950S And 1960S Essay, Research Paper Why did the USA become involved in Vietnam in the 1950s and 1960s? The USA became involved in Vietnam because of a cry for help from the Vietnamese president of that time, Ngo Dinh Diem, or at least, they used it as an excuse for what they did. The Americans saw it as a prime example to the rest of the world of how capitalism could conquer communism.
Reaction Essay Research Paper REACTION PAPERThe first
Reaction Essay, Research Paper REACTION PAPER The first section of the packet explained the meaning of personality and how decisions and actions are based on your personalities. It also goes on about how various religions contribute to the forming of a positive personality. At the end of the section, it brings up God s involvement in the construction personality, which appears frequently throughout the packet.