Question

Which best describes Nixon’s assessment of how Americans felt about the Vietnam War when he became president in 1969?
Nixon overestimated people’s support for his Vietnam policies and underestimated opposition to continuing the war.
Nixon thought the majority of Americans would continue to support his policies and disapprove of antiwar activism.
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.

Answer 1

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

He appealed to a “silent majority” in 1969, believing most Americans backed his Vietnam approach and were put off by noisy protesters.