How did the American attitude toward the Vietnam War impact Nixon's approach to China?

Question

A) The American people were in support of the Vietnam War, which played a role in Nixon's decision to go to war with China.
B) The American people were neutral about the Vietnam War; therefore, they were also neutral about Nixon's approach to China.
C) The American people wanted to prolong the Vietnam War and encouraged Nixon to go to war with China to accomplish this.
D) The American people were against the Vietnam War, which persuaded Nixon to avoid a militaristic approach to Chinese relations.

Answer 1

The correct answer is D) The American people were against the Vietnam War, which persuaded Nixon to avoid a militaristic approach to Chinese relations.

During the 1960s and early 1970s, public sentiment in the U.S. turned increasingly against the Vietnam War, leading to widespread protests and a desire for a change in foreign policy. Nixon recognized that the American public was weary of military conflict and sought to improve relations with China as a way to enhance diplomatic credibility and move away from the war in Vietnam. His approach to China was characterized by diplomacy and engagement rather than military confrontation, reflecting the broader dissatisfaction with the Vietnam War among the American populace.