Lyndon Johnson and The Wise Men Discuss Vietnam

November 2nd, 1967

November 2nd, 1967

Lyndon Johnson and The Wise Men Discuss Vietnam
How Long Ago?

57 years, 4 months, 13 days ago

Location

Washington, D.C., United States

Category

Politics & Government

War/Conflict

Vietnam War

People
  • Lyndon B. Johnson
  • Dean Acheson
  • Robert S. McNamara
  • McGeorge Bundy
Links & References
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Lyndon Johnson and The Wise Men Discuss Vietnam

U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson met with a group of influential advisors known as 'The Wise Men' to discuss the ongoing Vietnam War. During this meeting, they concluded that the American public would benefit from more optimistic reports regarding the progress of military operations in Vietnam. This decision was influenced by growing public dissent and media coverage that painted a more negative picture of the war's outcomes.

Johnson aimed to reshape public perception of Vietnam.

The 'Wise Men' were influential advisors during this time.

Public dissent was rising against the Vietnam War.

Optimistic narratives were strategized to gain support.

What Happened?

Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, convened a meeting with a group of expert advisors nicknamed 'The Wise Men' to address the mounting challenges of the Vietnam War. This group included high-profile figures such as Dean Acheson, McGeorge Bundy, and Robert S. McNamara, who provided counsel on foreign policy and military strategies. As the war escalated, public sentiment turned increasingly negative, with protests erupting across the nation fueled by graphic media images and reports of increasing American casualties. Concerned about waning public support, Johnson and the advisors deliberated on the importance of shaping a more favorable narrative around the war's progress. They believed that presenting a more optimistic view could help garner support for the administration's military policies and counteract the public's growing disillusionment.To execute this plan, the Johnson administration reaffirmed its commitment to the Vietnam War, proposing to emphasize success stories and promote a narrative of progress in troop engagements and strategic victories. The discussions unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing military operations, particularly the intense combat in cities like Hue and the rural countryside, which posed significant challenges to U.S. forces. The decision to manage the public perception of the war highlighted the complex relationship between government decision-making, media representation, and public opinion during a tumultuous time in American history.

Why Does it Matter?

The conclusions drawn by Johnson and The Wise Men reflect the broader theme of government information management during the Vietnam War, leading to an increasing mistrust between the American public and its leaders. This pivotal moment in 1967 can be seen as the beginning of a shift in how information about the war was both crafted and received, resulting in a lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy and public discourse. The strategy of presenting an optimistic outlook did not alleviate public concern, and by the time the war escalated further, protests intensified, ultimately leading to significant changes in U.S. military policy and public attitudes towards government integrity.

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