Final answer:
President Richard Nixon addressed the "silent majority" to garner support among moderate Americans during a time of social unrest and change, focusing on stability and law and order to resonate with those who felt unheard and uneasy about the government's focus on civil rights and antiwar sentiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why President Richard Nixon Appealed to the "Silent Majority" in 1969
President Richard Nixon appealed to what he called the silent majority in 1969 to gain support for his policies, particularly for his approach to the Vietnam War. The silent majority referred to moderate, mainstream Americans who quietly supported Nixon's strategies and felt their voices were often overlooked in the political process. During a time of social upheaval with antiwar protests, urban riots, and significant shifts in civil rights, Nixon promised stability and emphasized law and order, which resonated with many Americans who feared the rapid changes and potential loss of their societal stature. Moreover, Nixon's promises to end the Vietnam War honorably, reform the Supreme Court, and protect the interests of the White middle class appealed to the sentiments of those who felt marginalized by the government's focus on civil rights and the anti-war movement.