Final answer:
The Anti-War movement during the Vietnam War era was fueled by a mix of moral objections, cultural influences, and social discontent. Prominent figures, musicians, and organizations like Vietnam Veterans Against the War played key roles, while the draft and disproportionate minority casualties intensified opposition. Government policies towards conscientious objectors indicated a recognition of the divided national sentiment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The causes of the Anti-War movement, particularly during the Vietnam War era, were deeply rooted in diverse societal concerns. The movement expanded well beyond activists and scholars to include union leaders, minorities, working-class communities, clergy, and even veterans. High-profile figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Muhammad Ali publicly condemned the war, and their opposition was echoed in the music of folk and pop artists, adding a cultural dimension to the protests. The movement saw an influx in participation as the war continued, and by 1967, tensions within the U.S. were evident with large-scale protests and counterprotests taking place. Vietnam Veterans Against the War became a significant organization, enlisting thousands of members and reinforcing the movement's momentum. Conversely, those supporting the war highlighted North Vietnamese and Vietcong atrocities, advocating for a strong military response to secure victory.
Students played a crucial role in the movement, with opposition partly fueled by moral objections to the war and the threat of the draft. As casualties from minority neighborhoods were disproportionate and the draft intensified, students and civilians alike resisted the war, doubting the justification of U.S. involvement. Despite the controversial nature of the war and subsequent protests, the government granted more leeway to conscientious objectors than in previous conflicts, acknowledging the divided opinions on the Vietnam War within American society.