Final answer:
Opposition to the Vietnam War arose from moral objections, the draft, and distrust in government policies, dividing America into doves and hawks. This division was fueled by the Cold War conflict between communism and democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The opposition to the Vietnam War stemmed from various reasons, leading to a deep division within the United States. A significant factor was a moral objection, with many Americans, particularly students, viewing the conflict as an unjust civil war in which the U.S. should not be involved. The escalation of the draft heightened this opposition, with many young individuals resistant to fighting a war that they saw as lacking a clear purpose. Meanwhile, supporters of the war, often referred to as hawks, believed that victory could be achieved with increased military effort and viewed protest as unpatriotic.
The divide reached a climax by 1967, where the contrasting views between the doves (anti-war advocates) and hawks created a chasm in American society. This divide was further exacerbated by trust issues with the government, as many citizens felt misled regarding American policies and the war's rationale. Despite this division and turmoil, figures such as President Johnson remained committed to a policy of gradual escalation, even as opposition continued to grow.
Additionally, the conflict between communism and democracy during the Cold War period was a critical motivator for the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, as the fear of the domino effect propelled the nation into action to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.