How did the Vietnam War, and the domestic opposition to it, come to dominate American politics in the 1960s?
As the war went on and on with many American casualties and tales of American atrocities, many people decided that we were fighting a hopeless and useless war. We voted to get rid of those politicians who continued to push for a military victory in Vietnam.
The Vietnam War and the domestic opposition to it came to dominate American politics in the 1960s due to a combination of factors. Understanding this requires looking at the historical background and various events that unfolded during this time period.
1. Cold War Context: The Vietnam War occurred during the backdrop of the Cold War, where the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a tense ideological conflict. The US saw Vietnam as a battleground in its effort to contain the spread of communism, known as the Domino Theory.
2. Escalation of US Involvement: Initially, America's involvement in Vietnam was limited to providing military advisors. However, under Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy, the US increased its military presence, predominantly due to fears of communist expansion. The Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964, where a US destroyer was allegedly attacked by North Vietnamese forces, led to congressional approval of a resolution giving President Lyndon B. Johnson broad powers to escalate the war.
3. Credibility Gap: As the US committed more troops and resources to the war, it became evident that the conflict was far from being resolved quickly. The Johnson administration's optimistic messaging about progress in the war created a credibility gap, as the media and public became increasingly skeptical of official statements. This contributed to a growing disillusionment and distrust.
4. Television and Media Coverage: The Vietnam War marked the first television war, with extensive media coverage bringing the horrors of war into American living rooms. Graphic images and reporting on casualties, atrocities, and the daily realities of combat had a profound impact on public opinion. The media became an important catalyst in shaping public perception and fueling opposition to the war.
5. Anti-War Movement: Opposition to the war began as early as the early 1960s but gained significant momentum in the late 1960s. The anti-war movement was diverse and included student activists, civil rights activists, religious groups, intellectuals, and veterans. Protests, marches, and sit-ins became common forms of dissent, with notable events like the March on the Pentagon in 1967 and the Moratorium to End the War in 1969.
6. Draft Resistance and Conscientious Objection: The draft, which required eligible young men to serve in the military, generated widespread resistance. Many opposed the draft on moral or political grounds, leading to draft card burnings, draft dodging, and draft resistance organizations. Such opposition further intensified public discourse surrounding the war.
7. Political Fallout: The Vietnam War had a profound impact on American politics. The war's unpopularity led to deep divisions within the Democratic Party, and opposition to the war became a central issue in the 1968 presidential campaign. The credibility gap and the government's handling of the war eroded public trust in political institutions.
In conclusion, the Vietnam War came to dominate American politics in the 1960s due to the escalation of US involvement, the credibility gap, media coverage, the rise of an anti-war movement, draft resistance, and the political fallout. These factors combined to create a deeply polarized and divisive period in American history, with the war becoming a central issue that shaped public opinion and influenced political outcomes.