5.3.18

Reasons for Support 1

Test yourself

The ‘Red Scare’

In the aftermath of the Second World War and the beginning of the Cold War, many Americans believed that communists would start a revolution in the USA and destroy their way of life.

Illustrative background for Fear of communism Illustrative background for Fear of communism  ?? "content

Fear of communism

  • After WWII and at the start of the Cold War, many Americans feared communists would start a revolution in the USA.
  • Communists were forced out of jobs and homes, and some were arrested.
  • This fear was called the ‘Red Scare’.

Ask ChatGPT

Illustrative background for The ‘Red Scare’Illustrative background for The ‘Red Scare’ ?? "content

The ‘Red Scare’

  • This fear of communism led many Americans to support the war in Vietnam as a way of stopping a communist takeover of the country.
  • This was the most common reason for support of the war.
Illustrative background for The Cold WarIllustrative background for The Cold War ?? "content

The Cold War

  • However, the Red Scare also explains why the US only wanted a limited war in Vietnam.
    • As they didn’t want to escalate the war into a full scale war with the USSR.
  • The Vietnam War was a ‘flashpoint’ in the Cold War.

The ‘Hard Hats’

Another reason why people supported the war was patriotism; for the love and loyalty to the USA.

Illustrative background for PatriotismIllustrative background for Patriotism ?? "content

Patriotism

  • Another reason why people supported the war was patriotism; for the love and loyalty to the USA.
  • This meant when the government told people to take part in the war, many people did so willingly as they didn’t want to let America down.
Illustrative background for International standingIllustrative background for International standing ?? "content

International standing

  • Patriots also didn’t want to let America ‘lose face’ by giving in to another country, as it would make the USA look weak.
Illustrative background for The ‘Hard Hats’Illustrative background for The ‘Hard Hats’ ?? "content

The ‘Hard Hats’

  • The ‘Hard Hats’ was a nickname given to construction workers who supported the war.
  • On 8th May 1970, some ‘Hard Hats’ attacked an anti-war protest in New York, beating up some of the protesters.
Illustrative background for War rallies Illustrative background for War rallies  ?? "content

War rallies

  • The police did nothing to stop them, and two days later they held their own pro-war rally outside City Hall.
  • About 60,000 people attended this rally.

Jump to other topics

1Was the Treaty of Versailles Fair?

2Was the League of Nations a Success?

3How did Hitler's Foreign Policy Impact the War?

4Who was to Blame for the Cold War?

5Did the US Contain the Spread of Communism?

6How was USSR's Control Over Eastern Europe?

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium