Why did the war in Vietnam result in such widespread opposition?
The US was fighting the wrong war: The US supported a very corrupt SVientnam government, and the citizens wanted a change. It was a civil war, not of US economic importance (except for FIreston Rubber , a plantation owner). Secondly, the US was loosing many, many soldiers in this war. Thirdly, US citizens were being involuntary consripted (DRAFT) to go fight that nasty war. Fourth, the burden of the war fell on the poor (and black) citizens, as richer (and usually white) stayed in college (deferments) or other deferments or got peachy assignments in US National Guard assignments. (check George Bush's history, or Cheney's history and the Vietnam service period)
In short, it was the wrong war, for the wrong reason, and the burden of dying for this fell on the disadvantaged.
Many Americans didn't believe that Communists taking over Vietnam was a threat to the U.S. But despite the protests, many Americans and Vietnamese lost their lives or their health fighting this war.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opposition_to_the_U.S._involvement_in_the_Vietnam_War
The war in Vietnam resulted in widespread opposition for several reasons. Here are the main factors that contributed to the opposition:
1. Loss of American Lives: The war resulted in a significant loss of American lives, with over 58,000 U.S. servicemen killed and many more injured. The human cost of the conflict fueled public anger and opposition.
2. Draft and Selective Service: The draft system was used during the war, which meant that young Americans were forced to serve in the military. This led to widespread resentment and opposition among those who were against the war or wanted to remain neutral.
3. Anti-War Movement: The Vietnam War coincided with the rise of social and cultural movements in the United States, such as the civil rights movement and the counterculture movement. Many Americans, particularly college students and intellectuals, joined the anti-war movement to protest against what they saw as an unjust war and a violation of human rights.
4. Media Coverage: The war was one of the first to be extensively covered by the media, with graphic images and stories of the conflict being broadcast into people's homes. The shocking images and reports of civilian casualties and military atrocities further intensified public opposition to the war.
5. Lack of Clear Objectives: The rationale behind the U.S. involvement in Vietnam and the lack of a clear exit strategy led to confusion and frustration among the American public. As the war continued with no clear victory in sight, opposition grew.
6. Financial Burden: The massive financial cost of the war also played a role in generating opposition. The war diverted significant resources away from domestic programs such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation, leading many Americans to question its justification.
Overall, the war in Vietnam resulted in widespread opposition due to the loss of American lives, the draft system, the anti-war movement, media coverage, lack of clear objectives, and the financial burden it imposed on the country.
The war in Vietnam resulted in widespread opposition due to several key factors. To understand why this happened, we need to explore the context and events that occurred during this time period.
1. Anti-War Movement: The Vietnam War saw the rise of a massive anti-war movement, particularly in the United States. People from different backgrounds, including students, intellectuals, and civil rights activists, protested against the war. They believed that the U.S. should not be involved in a conflict that seemed distant and lacked clear objectives.
2. Loss of Public Support: As the war dragged on, it became increasingly difficult for the U.S. government to demonstrate progress or a clear path to victory. The heavy casualties suffered by American soldiers, coupled with images of civilian casualties and atrocities, disillusioned and alienated many people. This loss of public support fueled the opposition.
3. Draft and Opposition to Conscription: The war coincided with the draft in the United States, which compelled young men to serve in the military. This sparked opposition and resistance, as people believed that being forced to fight in a questionable war was unjust. Protests against the draft contributed to the overall anti-war sentiment.
4. Media Coverage: The Vietnam War was the first televised conflict, allowing people to witness the violence and destruction firsthand. The media coverage of the war played a significant role in shaping public opinion. Graphic images of the horrors of war, such as the infamous My Lai Massacre, exposed the realities of the conflict and further fueled opposition.
5. Political and Moral Considerations: The war generated debates about the political and moral justifications for U.S. involvement. Many questioned the legitimacy and necessity of fighting a war that did not directly threaten American security or interests. The perception that the U.S. was intervening in the affairs of another country led to a sense of unease and opposition.
To summarize, the opposition to the Vietnam War was driven by a combination of factors, including the anti-war movement, loss of public support, opposition to conscription, media coverage, and debates about political and moral considerations. Understanding these factors helps explain why the war provoked such widespread opposition.