The Cold War — Test

Question 3 • US History Studies Since 1877

Which best describes Nixon’s assessment of how Americans felt about the Vietnam War when he became president in 1969?

Answer

Nixon thought the majority of Americans would continue to support his policies and disapprove of antiwar activism.

Nixon overestimated people’s support for his Vietnam policies and underestimated opposition to continuing the war.

Nixon overestimated the strength and longevity of antiwar activism while underestimating the influence of the “silent majority.”

Nixon concluded that promises of gradual withdrawal would please supporters of the war and appease antiwar activists.

Explanation

Nixon believed many Americans would support his approach to the war, but he misjudged how much opposition there was to continuing U.S. involvement. In particular, his appeal to a “silent majority” did not mean that most Americans supported extending the war. Choice B best captures this overestimate of support and underestimate of opposition.

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