Huw Thomas 12KE

Explain why the Vietnam War became unpopular in America (12 marks)
Historians such as Sanders believe there are a plethora of reasons to why the Vietnam War became unpopular in America. Many political historians agree that Johnson saw a huge decline in popularity polls as the American public opinion turned against the war effort, with many taking to the streets of America, demanding the withdrawal of all American soldiers from Vietnam. An essential factor behind the sudden decline in popularity was the increase in taxes for ordinary Americans to fund the war campaign in Vietnam. This angered Americans as they felt the government were forcing them to fund a war that many did not agree with and further questioned the morality of Americas presence in Vietnam. Additionally, Americans were infuriated by the enormous cost of the war. Indeed, between the years 1964-1968, the Johnson administration had spent $220 million on the war effort and further antagonised Americans as the government directed away funds from the Great Society Programme towards the war. Social historians agree that the war became increasingly unpopular, as American domestic issues had arisen, with unemployment figures increasing and with only $15 million spent on social welfare and reform, many demanded Johnson withdraw all American troops immediately. Secondly, another reason why the Vietnam became unpopular with the American public was because the media hugely influenced public opinion, with historians such as Bragg arguing that American newspapers and television channels were responsible for, shaping, public opinion as ordinary Americans could watch the atrocities unfold from the comfort of their living room and they were horrified at the use of weapons such as Napalm and Agent Orange. More importantly, historians agree that the atrocities such as Mai Lai outraged many Americans as US soldiers ruthlessly murdered Vietnamese peasants, causing many to question the morality of Americas position in Vietnam. Political historians support the thesis that reports of deaths and causalities in Vietnam appalled several Americans, especially if the death had a severe and lasting impact on the friends and family of the deceased. Moreover, as the truths about American atrocities in Vietnam and political corruption in the Johnson administration appeared in newspaper tabloids and on American television networks, Johnsons popularity in polls further plummeted as the truth about the, Tonkin, incident materialised. Additionally, many felt the bombing of the North Vietnam was unnecessary and immoral. As a direct result of the revelation of such political lies, Sanders highlights the widening of the Credibility Gap meant many Americans lost complete trust in the Johnson administration as they viewed their government as liars because what they were stating and what the media was reporting was hugely different and often contradictory. The widening of the Credibility Gap was a significant factor in the decline in popularity of the Vietnam War as many Americans now questioned the morality of Americas position there and also doubted the effectiveness of Johnsons foreign policies in Vietnam. Furthermore, Bragg states that the events of the Tet Offensive clearly highlighted

Huw Thomas 12KE the ineffectiveness of Johnsons policies as it showed how easily the Vietcong could breach the most secure of Americas defences, convincing many Americans that the war was unwinnable. More importantly, the impact of the Tet Offensive left many deep psychological scars amongst members of Johnsons administration and shattered Johnsons confidence, resulting in him questioning the effectiveness of his own military strategies in Vietnam. Indeed, another factor that contributed to the decline in popularity of the Vietnam War was the racial tension that still existed in America during the 1960s. As many African Americans were fighting for the democratic freedom of the South Vietnamese civilians, they still faced severe racism and inequality on the home front. Additionally, Brag raises the issue that the draft system was bias and unfair towards working class and African Americans, causing further antagonism as it alienated a majority of the American population. As African Americans fought to free the South from an imposing Communist rule, they faced increased discrimination and were no closer to securing the equality they desired. Lastly, many historians agree that the popularity of the Vietnam War declined greatly because many were disgusted by the behaviour of American officers and grunts abroad, with many American media outlets reporting that a majority of soldiers suffered from drug addiction, further leading to Americans questioning the role of America in Vietnam. Military historians support the idea that soldiers often abused their duties in Vietnam, through participation in the illegal drug trade, as well as funding prostitution in the streets of Saigon, many did not fulfil their main purpose of gaining the hearts and minds of the South Vietnamese people. Conclusively, there are many factors that contributed to the decline in support for the war effort, as many Americans on the home front were outraged by the graphic illustrations portrayed by media outlets of atrocities such as Mai Lai and the impact of napalm and Agent Orange on the innocent peasants of South Vietnam. Moreover, a majority of Americans were infuriated by the economic cost of the war, but also lost all faith in Johnsons administration as the Credibility Gap continued to widen during the years 1964-1968.