Has an unpopular war ever gained support later?

[northernsoul]

Can anyone think of an historical example of a war that reached a point of being disapproved of by the majority of a population that later rebounded in popularity and went on to enjoy broad citizen support?

I can think of plenty of wars that started out with massive popular support, that later permenantly lost that support - but I can't think of any that have pulled out of a public opinion tailspin.

I'm asking because it seems to me that public support for Dick & George's Totally Bogus Iraq Adventure has nowhere to go but down. Once opinion against such an action reaches critical mass, there's no reversing the tide.

Does hisory support my hunch?

[SteppingRazor]

1. I can think of a few that were unpopular until we joined them...

And then became popular once we were involved. Both world wars spring to mind.

[HamdenRice]

2. American civil war ...

was very unpopular among the northern working classes, but the northern public seems to have become committed to it especially after Gettysburg, and for religious and abolitionist constituencies, after the emancipation proclamation.

But the civil war did not start out unpopular.

[SouthernDem2004]

3. WW II for one.

[Frances]

4. I don't understand what you mean by WWII

Most Americans were against our getting into that war--until Pearl Harbor, which is when the U.S. declared war. I think 99% of Americans supported us getting in the war once war was declared.

There is a very interesting story by Faulkner called "Two Soldiers" about an older brother going into town to sign up. His younger brother follows him and wants to go with his older brother. The younger brother tells the recruiter,"You'll be needing someone to chop wood."

[SouthernDem2004]

5. You first paragraph is part of the answer.

Even after Pearl Harbor alot of Americans were against involvment in Europe. It was viewed as a European problem. It took the sinking of "passenger" ships and some good PR to get the US behind the war.

[Jack from Charlotte]

6. I think the Question you meant to ask is if AFTER we had commited troops

did support ever grow for a war.

None that I'm aware of.

I think the high point is at or near the start. Viet Nam..... no question. Support in the mid 60's. It was going, going by late 60's and gone by the 70's.

Don't know on Korea. I'm quite certain after 2 to 3 years support was certainly not higher than at the start.

WWII.... Can't imagine support any higher than Dec.8th '41.