American History

I’m studying for my History class and need an explanation.

Instructions:

1. Answer three (3) of the five (5) questions below. (Do not answer all five. If you do, then I will only grade your first three answers.)
2. Each of your three answers must be in an essay format. (For example: three paragraphs with an introductory paragraph, a body paragraph, and a concluding paragraph.)
3. Each of your three answers should be at least one page in length (or approximately 250 words each).
4. If you refer to assigned readings or other sources then you must use a citation for each using an acceptable academic citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.). The format of the citation is less important than the information contained in the citation.

Question 1: Between 1964 and 1968 the Republican Party went through a “party realignment” in which the ideology of the party shifted to the right on the political spectrum. Identify and explain three factors (social, political, legal) which contributed to that change in the party’s ideology in those years.

Question 2: The antiwar movement in the 1960s was characterized by significant generational differences. Older Americans, many of who fought in World War II, supported President Johnson’s war against the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese. The younger generation, however, opposed the war. Give three examples of why young Americans opposed the war, and explain each.

Question 3: President Johnson supported the Vietnam because he wanted to be tough on Communism and not allow it to spread throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. How did Johnson and his Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara misjudge the Viet Cong? How did they misjudge the ideology of communism in Southeast Asia?

Question 4: President Richard was the first president to resign. How did the Watergate scandal lead him to make that choice? For what was he going to be charged with—and potentially impeached—due to Watergate?

Question 5: Traditionally, Americans have looked upon their presidents with respect and have held the office in high regard. Presidents from Washington to Lincoln to Franklin Roosevelt to John F. Kennedy had the respect of most Americans and, importantly, the press. But over the past half century presidents have more hostile towards the press, and the press has been more critical of presidents. Why has that relationship changed, and what is its significance?