political opposition

• • The Tet Offensive led many who had supported the war to change their minds
  • Those in politics who supported the war were 'doves'
  • Those in politics who didn't support the war were 'hawks'
• • The war cost $167 billion
• The war in Vietnam:

  • Some politicians saw war as unwinnable

  Some arguements were:

  • The North Vietnamese knew USA would pull out of Vietnam, and they would still be there
  • Limited war may prevent conflict with China and USSR, bu won't defeat North Vietnam
  • USA struggling against guerilla war
• International relations:

  • War was political problem
  • Chance of war with USSR or China
  • Was growing criticism from other nations
• USA politics:

  • Opposition to the war won votes
  • Opposition party used war to criticise President and his government
• Pacifists:

  • A few politicians were opposed to all war