History of Asia

How did public attitudes towards World War 2 and Vietnam differ?

World War II

* Overwhelming support: The American public was overwhelmingly supportive of World War II. This was due to a number of factors, including the fact that the United States was attacked by Japan, the clear threat posed by Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, and the effective propaganda campaign waged by the US government.

* Unity: The American public was largely united behind the war effort. There were some dissenting voices, but these were a small minority.

* Long-term impact: The war had a profound impact on American society and culture. It led to a renewed sense of national pride and a sense of common purpose. It also paved the way for the growth of the United States as a global superpower.

Vietnam War

* Public opinion turned against the war: Public opinion on the Vietnam War was initially supportive, but it gradually turned against the war as the conflict dragged on and American casualties increased. This was due to a number of factors, including the lack of a clear victory, the questionable reasons for the war, and the negative coverage of the war by the media.

* Deep divisions: The Vietnam War deeply divided the American public. There were anti-war demonstrations, riots, and acts of violence. The war even split families and communities.

* Long-term impact: The Vietnam War had a negative impact on American society and culture. It led to a loss of trust in government, a decline in patriotism, and a general sense of disillusionment.

In summary, public attitudes towards World War II and Vietnam were very different. The public was overwhelmingly supportive of World War II, while public opinion turned against the Vietnam War. These differences can be attributed to a number of factors, including the nature of the conflicts, the way they were reported by the media, and the impact they had on American society.