5.+Public+Opinion+During+and+After+the+War



A survey was taken from 1965 to 1971 asking Americans if it was a mistake to send troops to Vietnam:


 * August 1965**- 61% No         **March 1966**- 59% No
 * May 1966**- 49% No            **September 1966**- 48% No
 * April 1970**- 34% No          **May 1970**- 36% No
 * January 1971**- 31% No        **May 1971**- 28% No

This survey show that as the war was going on, the public's support for the Americans were fading away. People were disappointed with the fact that there was no real progress in the war, outraged with the violence that was occuring, and the actions that the government was taking to continue the Vietnam War. In the late 1960's to the end of the war, many people were now opposed to the war and protesting against it.

One reason that inspired opposistion was when the media began showing "the horrors" of what was going on in Vietnam. They watched their televisions and witnessed graphic combat, the use of bombs that contained harmful chemicals such as napalm and agent orange, the kiling of many Vietnamise, and giving U.S. soldiers the opportunity to share the experiences they had to face. Another factor was the actions that the government was taking in Vietnam. More and more troops were being sent into Vietnam, and President Johnson heavily used bombs in Vietnam that cause severe damage.

Many Americans were outraged by what was happening in the Vietnam. In response, opposers began the anti-war movement. They began protesting and forming groups to raise support and awareness to many people about Vietnam

There were many people who were opposing the Vietnam War; college students, baby boomers, Vietnam veterans that were able to return home, and those who simply were against it. They all came together as one and confronted this issue together.