The Kent State Incident, The Tet Offensive and The Gulf of Tonkin Resolutions
The growth in public sentiment for a lowered voting age was primarily spurred by the social and political upheaval of the 1960s, particularly the Vietnam War, where young people were being drafted to fight but lacked the right to vote. Activists argued that if 18-year-olds could be sent to war, they should also have a say in the political decisions affecting their lives. Additionally, the civil rights movement and a broader push for greater youth involvement in democracy contributed to this sentiment, leading to the eventual ratification of the 26th Amendment in 1971, which lowered the voting age to 18.
The cover up after the event and the trial helped build antiwar sentiment.
The public didn't do it; the Commander in Chief ordered it done.
Walter Cronkite's proclamation that the Vietnam War was unwinnable significantly shifted public opinion and political dynamics in the United States. As a trusted news anchor, his statement challenged the government's optimistic portrayal of the war, leading many Americans to question the administration's policies. This shift contributed to growing anti-war sentiment and pressure on political leaders to seek a resolution, ultimately influencing the decision to de-escalate U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Cronkite's comments underscored the impact of media on public perception and political discourse during that era.
The U.S. felt that it would ruin their economy
Government policy called for a stop to the global growth of communism, while public sentiment disagreed with the loss of American lives in Vietnam. So while the government desired to 'win' against communism, growing pressure from the public (votes) wanted to pull out from Vietnam.
The growth in public sentiment for a lowered voting age is for increased public participation.
Public wants war to end.
A picture showing a South Vietnamese officer executing a prisoner of war had a very deep impact on the American public. For the first time, Americans began to question whether or not the country's involvement in the war was for good or evil purposes. Vietnam had the distinction of being the first war where television and photography brought the war into the public's living rooms.
U.S public opinion on the Vietnam war became increasingly negative
Abraham Lincoln is credited with this quote. It emphasizes the significance of public opinion in determining the success or failure of political initiatives and social movements.
The nation's position on the topic of debate is likely to reflect a combination of cultural values, political ideologies, and public sentiment. Factors such as recent events, economic conditions, and social movements will influence the perspectives of both policymakers and the general populace. Additionally, the presence of strong advocacy groups and public opinion campaigns may further shape the debate, leading to a more polarized or unified stance. Ultimately, the nation's position will be a reflection of its diverse viewpoints and the ongoing discourse surrounding the issue.
The Kent State Incident, The Tet Offensive and The Gulf of Tonkin Resolutions
President Lyndon B. Johnson appeared to have misled the public during the Vietnam War, particularly regarding the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964. Johnson's administration claimed that U.S. forces had been attacked unprovoked, which led to increased military involvement; however, later evidence suggested that the events were misrepresented or exaggerated. This contributed to growing public distrust and anti-war sentiment as the conflict escalated. The revelations surrounding the war and Johnson's administration's portrayal of it marked a significant turning point in public perception of government transparency.
The increasing availability and affordability of televisions in the 1950s and 1960s significantly shaped public perception of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. As graphic images of the conflict were broadcast into living rooms, the reality of war became more immediate and personal for the American public. This exposure contributed to growing anti-war sentiment and skepticism about government narratives, ultimately influencing public opinion and policy regarding U.S. military engagement in Vietnam.
Britain had an excuse not to participate in the Vietnam War; they were not located in the Pacific Realm. Britains's cousins Australia and New Zealand participated in the war as they are located in the region. The Vietnam War was NOT popular in Britain, Australia nor New Zealand. Britain continuously pushed the US for mediation of the war rather than military action.