Final answer:
The Vietnam conflict in November 1966 was a major aspect of Cold War geopolitics as the U.S. increased military involvement under President Johnson to prevent the spread of Communism. The war caused domestic turmoil, leading to widespread protests and political reevaluations. This period eventually led to legislative changes restricting presidential war powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
In November 1966, the political context of Vietnam was defined by the intensification of the Vietnam War, a conflict that had significant implications for U.S. domestic and foreign policy. The U.S. government, under President Lyndon B. Johnson, escalated its military efforts to prevent the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia, subscribing to the 'domino theory' that if Vietnam fell to Communism, neighboring countries might follow.
At home, this led to a deeply divided nation, with widespread protests, particularly on college campuses, pitting supporters of the war against those who opposed it. Internationally, the conflict was part of the larger Cold War struggle, with the U.S. determined to support South Vietnam against the Communist North and the Viet Cong guerrillas. Despite the deployment of more than half a million troops and a sustained military campaign, neither Presidents Johnson nor Richard Nixon could secure a definitive victory.
The consequences of these policies were profound. By December 31, 1970, a resolution was passed reflecting a reevaluation of presidential authority in forming policy in Vietnam. The war's unpopularity contributed to political upheaval, with Democratic disarray evident in the 1968 elections. Ultimately, the Vietnam War had a lasting impact on American society and politics, coloring perceptions of government and influencing the rise of conservatism in the following decade.