Final answer:
In 1967, divisions over the Vietnam War were stark. Anti-war protesters, a diverse group, faced off against those who viewed their demonstrations as unpatriotic and supported continued escalation. Despite public figures condemning the war, President Johnson and later Nixon maintained policies that extended the conflict, while many Americans still favored military action.
Step-by-step explanation:
By 1967, America was deeply divided over the Vietnam War. The anti-war protesters were a diverse group, including activists, scholars, union leaders, minority communities, and even veterans. They argued for an end to the war, emphasizing support for the troops by advocating for their return home. They faced opposition from those who viewed their actions as unpatriotic and felt a full military victory was necessary. Public figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Muhammad Ali stood against the war, pushing the conversation into the national spotlight.
Despite the rising anti-war sentiment, President Johnson remained committed to a policy of slow escalation in Vietnam, believing that backing down would validate Republican accusations of being soft on Communism. This commitment involved continuing military support for South Vietnam's questionable leadership, leading to further conflict as North Vietnam saw the US as an aggressor, especially following incidents like the Gulf of Tonkin situation. The anti-war movement expanded even into traditionally conservative areas, and by the time of Nixon's presidency, there was talk of a silent majority who felt their views were not being heard within the national dialogue on the war and broader social changes.
While the anti-war movement grew, many Americans still supported the war, believing in the cause and feeling a sense of duty toward their country and their troops overseas. This belief was rooted in a sense of patriotism and a belief in the righteousness of the American mission. The divided American public continued to grapple with these complex issues, from troop support to debates over the legitimacy of the South Vietnamese government, well into the subsequent decades.