1. Opposition to the Draft: Many Americans were opposed to the draft, which required young men to serve in the military. They argued that the draft was unfair and that it disproportionately affected poor and minority communities.
2. Moral and Ethical Concerns: Many protestors objected to the war on moral and ethical grounds. They believed that the United States was waging a unjust and unjustified war in Vietnam and that it involved excessive civilian casualties and human rights violations.
3. Impact of Media Coverage: The media's coverage of the war played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Graphic images and reports from the frontlines exposed the American to the harsh realities and brutality of the war. This led many to question the purposes and conduct of the war.
4. Generation Gap and Youth Culture: The Vietnam War era coincided with a significant generation gap between the older generation and younger generation, known as baby boomer. They embraced social and political activism and challenged traditional norms. Many viewed the war as a symbol of the establishment and the older generations, leading them to resist and dissent.
5. Civil Right Movement Influence: The Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s had a profound impact on social consciousness and activism in the United states. Many civil rights activists opposed the Vietnam War, drawing parallels between the fight for racial equality at home and the struggle against perceived injustice in Vietnam.
6. Perception of Limited Success: As the war dragged on with no clear victory in sight, public opinion increasingly turned against the war effort. Many Americans felt that the United States was sacrificing lives and resources for a seemingly unwinnable cause.
These factor, and others, contributed to the growing protests against the Vietnam War, which ultimately influenced public perception, government policies, and the eventual end of U.S. military involvement in the conflc.