Why did US public opinion turn against the Vietnam war?

Answer: US public opinion turned against the Vietnam War for several reasons:

1. Media Coverage: The Vietnam War was one of the first conflicts where the brutality and hardships were broadcast directly into American homes via television. This raw and uncensored view into the war's violence had a profound impact on public opinion.

2. Casualties: As the number of American casualties increased with no clear victory in sight, public discomfort with the war grew. The draft also heightened anxiety as many young Americans were forced into service.

3. Credibility Gap: The government often presented a very optimistic view of the war’s progress, which contradicted the grim realities reported by the media. This inconsistency led to a credibility gap and increased public distrust in the government's handling of the war.

4. The Tet Offensive: In 1968, the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong launched a massive surprise attack during the Tet holiday. Though militarily defeated, they demonstrated that they were far from being weakened, contrary to what the US military had led the public to believe, which further eroded support.

5. The Antiwar Movement: It drew support from a diverse coalition, including students, civil rights activists, and veterans, who organized protests, teach-ins, and demonstrations against the war.

6. Costs of War: The financial costs were tremendous, leading to inflation and contributing to economic problems at home. Americans began to question whether the financial strain was worth it.

7. Changing Social Values: The 1960s and 1970s were periods of significant social change. As part of a broader countercultural movement, many began to question traditional authority figures and government decisions, including the rationale for the Vietnam War.

8. The Pentagon Papers: The release of these classified documents in 1971 exposed how several administrations had misled the public about the war's progression and reasons, further eroding trust and support.

Each of these contributed to a shift in public sentiment, leading to a powerful demand for de-escalation and withdrawal, which ultimately influenced political leadership and policies.