Support for the Vietnam War in the US
I can explain why some groups supported the war.
Support for the Vietnam War in the US
I can explain why some groups supported the war.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- After anti-war protests, Nixon called on the ‘Silent Majority’ of Americans to support his methods of ending the war.
- Nixon’s popularity increased greatly after this speech.
- People supported the war because of their patriotism and fear of communism.
- Blue-collar workers in favour of US involvement in Vietnam held their own rallies and attacked anti-war protesters.
Common misconception
Large-scale protests must mean that most people are against something.
A majority of people rarely, if ever, get involved in public protests, so we cannot draw absolute conclusions about what the majority thinks.
Keywords
Patriotism - patriotism is a great love for one’s own country
Hard hat - a hard hat is a rigid, protective helmet, as worn by factory and construction workers
Blue-collar worker - a blue-collar worker is someone who works in manual labour, such as manufacturing, agriculture, construction or mining
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
demonstrators occupy a place by refusing to move
an extended meeting usually held on a college campus
a group of people walking from an assembly point to a specific place