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Public Opinion and the Vietnam War

Drawing on the following charts and graphs, construct an explanation for changing American views toward the Vietnam War.

You may wish to use timelines for the Vietnam War for reference: (External Links)


SUPPORT FOR THE WAR AS MEASURED BY "NO" RESPONSES TO THE MISTAKE QUESTION ASKED:

"In view of developments since we entered the fighting in Vietnam, do you think the U.S. made a mistake sending troops to fight in Vietnam?" (Gallup)

DATE
PERCENT
WHO SAID NO
August 1965
61
March 1966
59
May 1966
49
September 1966
48
November 1966
51
February 1967
52
May 1967
50
July 1967
48
October 1967
44
December 1967
46
February 1968
42
March 1968
41
April 1968
40
August 1968
35
October 1968
37
February 1969
39
October 1969
32
January 1970
33
April 1970
34
May 1970
36
January 1971
31
May 1971

28

 

image

Indicator Pre-TET Post-TET Change

Indicator Pre-TET Post-TET Change
Approves Johnson's handling of job as president 48% 36% -12
Approves Johnson's handling of Vietnam 39% 26% -13
Regards war in Vietnam as a mistake 45% 49% +4
Proportion classifying themselves as "hawks" 60% 41% -19

Source: The Gallup Poll: Public Opinion 1935–1971, by George H. Gallup

See http://faculty.smu.edu/dsimon/Change-Viet2.html for more charts.

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