Political Support
History: Cambridge International GCSE The Twentieth Century (Option B), topic 5.3.20
Political Support
Political support for the war was complicated. Politicians wanted to gain the popular vote.
Complications
- Political support for the war was complicated.
- No politician wanted to see the USA lose the War to North Vietnam and the South become communist, but they also wanted to gain the popular vote.
Support in Congress
- Support in Congress changed over time.
- In 1964, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution had passed unanimously in the House of Representatives, and only two Senators had voted against it in the Senate.
Changes
- Congress’ attitude to the war would change with public opinion; if there had been a large, peaceful anti-war protest or event like the Tet Offensive they would become more anti-war, but if demonstrations became violent they could become more pro-war.
Funding
- Congress slowly became less supportive (partially as they realised how much the war was costing) but they kept funding it because the military kept telling them victory was close, and they didn’t want the USA to lose face in Vietnam.
- After 1970 Congress restricted the amount of money spent on the war, but they still funded it.
Test yourself on Political Support
Which Resolution was passed by Congress in 1964?