Summary

Richard Nixon begins his “Silent Majority” speech by announcing the topic of the Vietnam War. He acknowledges the Americans’ confusion and division when it comes to the war and attempts to clarify the extent of the US involvement in the war, as well as plans for the future. 

Nixon provides a short background of the situation in Vietnam at the time he started his presidential term and talks about the reasons why America has become involved in the war. Nixon also presents how previous presidents have been involved in the war and explains why he rejects the idea of hurrying the withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam. He focuses on the disastrous effects that this action would have on South Vietnam – which would fall under Communism, and on the US – which would lose its position as a worldwide leader. 

Nixon reinforces the ...