By: HISTORY.com Editors
President Nixon calls on the “silent majority”
President Richard Nixon goes on television and radio to call for national solidarity on the Vietnam War effort and to gather support for his policies; his call for support is an attempt to blunt the renewed strength of the antiwar movement.
Pledging that the United States was “going to keep our commitment in Vietnam,” he said U.S. forces would continue fighting until the communists agreed to a fair and honorable peace, or until the South Vietnamese were able to defend themselves on their own. He said that he had already withdrawn 60,000 U.S. troops and would make additional reductions as the situation permitted. He also reported progress in the “Vietnamization” effort to increase the combat capability of South Vietnam’s armed forces so that they could assume more responsibility for the war. Having provided this perspective on the situation, he then appealed to the American people, calling on the “great silent majority” for their support as he worked for “peace with honor” in Vietnam.
Why Did Columbia University Students Protest in 1968?
Learn how the Vietnam War and the construction of a gym on campus prompted Columbia University student groups to protest the administration in 1968. See how their numbers swelled into the thousands and inspired student protests all over the country.
A Gallup Poll survey carried out in the wake of the president’s speech indicated that 77 percent were in support of Nixon’s policy in Vietnam. Congressional reaction to the president’s speech was also overwhelmingly favorable. Although Senator J. William Fulbright (D-Arkansas) and other congressmen and senators who opposed the war questioned the president’s sincerity, more than 300 congressmen and 40 senators cosponsored resolutions supporting the president’s efforts to make peace and bring the war to an honorable end.
The term "silent majority"—to refer to Conservative voters who do not participate in the public discourse—later resurfaced in the political campaigns of Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump.
How the Vietnam War Empowered the Hippie Movement
The hippie counterculture reached its height during the escalation of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, and subsided as the conflict drew to a close.
The hippie counterculture reached its height during the escalation of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, and subsided as the conflict drew to a close.
Also on This Day in History
Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on November 3rd
Related
Vietnam War
41 videos
The dramatic rooftop photo was long mistakenly misidentified.
The conflict in Vietnam ended in turmoil with the largest helicopter evacuation of its kind in history.
After 10 days of bruising battle, U.S. forces took the hill, only to abandon it days later. Sniper fire was so intense, one soldier called it 'a human meat grinder.'
About the author
HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Christian Zapata, Cristiana Lombardo and Adrienne Donica.
Fact Check
We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.
Citation Information
- Article Title
- President Nixon calls on the “silent majority”
- Author
- HISTORY.com Editors
- Website Name
- History
- Date Accessed
- October 21, 2026
- Publisher
- A&E Television Networks
- Last Updated
- May 28, 2025
- Original Published Date
- November 16, 2009
