How did Americans react to the My Lai massacre?

1 Answer
David P
May 17, 2016

With admixture of emotions.

Explanation:

The revelation of My Lai two years after the event shocked the American public. This was at a time when public opinion was turning markedly against the war.

However as the case went to court there was a change in public attitudes. The American public turned against the prosecution of ordinary American GI's who they saw as only obeying orders. Only one soldier William Calley was convicted and after 3 days in prison was given two years house arrest , before being released.

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