How did the American public respond to the protests during the Vietnam War?

Answer 1

With riot control.

Answer

The question asked how the public responded, not how the government responded. The public was divided into hawks (those who supported the war) and doves (those who opposed the war).

Answer

Due to the violent nature of some of the protests, there was a backlash in public sentiment that denounced the protesters. Essentially, it was felt that the protests "were 'acts of disloyalty' against our soldiers in Vietnam."

Student Antiwar Protests and the Backlash

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/twodays/peopleevents/e_antiwar.html

Answer 2

Considered in the anti-war protest category; they were ignored by veterans...most were used to it by now.

Answer 3

You just about answered your own question, since the PUBLIC was being drafted to fight the war; they didn't like it!

Answer 4

They kept attention focused on the futility of the war, and to a degree, slowly changed public opinion on it. They were not the only factor, but they were a contributing factor.