Opposition from Politicians to the Vietnam War

What political opposition was there to the Vietnam War?

Politicians began to oppose the war for a number of reasons, as they responded to public sentiment. They demonstrated their opposition in Congress and other governing institutions, as well as publicly.

What were the reasons for political opposition to the Vietnam War?

Politicians opposed the war for 5 main reasons:

• ❖ It seemed unwinnable. Events like the Tet Offensive demonstrated the strength of the Vietcong, and the invasion of Laos proved the policy of Vietnamisation was not working.
• ❖ The cost was extremely high. It is estimated the war cost the US government $170 billion - around $1 trillion in today's money. The financial burden meant domestic spending programmes on things like education and healthcare were neglected.
• ❖ It risked destroying international relations. Many nations, including the United Kingdom which had a 'special relationship' with the USA, distanced themselves from the Vietnam War. The UK did not join the war as it felt it was hypocritical to fight against a nation battling for independence.
• ❖ The US opposition party, the Democrats, saw opposing the war as a way to criticise the administration and gain power.
• ❖ Media coverage, particularly on television, brought home the brutality of war to politicians and the public alike.

What international political opposition was there to the Vietnam War?

The USA was condemned by many countries for incidents such as the My Lai Massacre and its use of chemical weapons.

How did the media affect the political opposition to the Vietnam War?

The media coverage of events such as the My Lai Massacre and Kent State shootings, along with photographs of the horrific effects of Agent Orange and napalm, sparked shock and outrage worldwide. Some politicians were embarrassed to be American.

What effect did the public have on political opposition to the Vietnam War?

From the 1960s, the US government faced 2 significant forms of opposition, from a public who felt ashamed of the actions of their government and military.

• ❖ Anti-war protesters and veterans openly condemned the atrocities they had witnessed.
• ❖ As opposition grew, it became impossible for the government to ignore what the people wanted. They had to stop the war.

What was the significance of the political opposition to the Vietnam War.

The political opposition to the Vietnam War was significant because it contributed to the reasons for US withdrawal from Vietnam. The US government came under increasing pressure from both the public and leading politicians to bring US troops home from Vietnam.