How did U.S. policy change as a result of the 1968 protests?

The choice indicating that U.S. policy began to shift toward withdrawal from Vietnam is accurate because the protests of 1968, particularly those surrounding the Vietnam War, significantly influenced public opinion and political decision-making. The widespread demonstrations highlighted increasing discontent with America's military involvement in Vietnam, driven by events such as the Tet Offensive and the My Lai Massacre, which revealed the harsh realities of the war to the American public.

As a result of these protests, leaders in Washington began to reconsider their strategies in Vietnam. Public pressure mounted for a reassessment of U.S. military engagement, contributing to gradual policy changes that aimed at de-escalation and eventual withdrawal. This shift became more pronounced in the following years, with the Nixon administration adopting a strategy of "Vietnamization," which sought to reduce American troops while increasing support for South Vietnamese forces.

The momentum of the 1968 protests was pivotal in shaping this turning point in U.S. foreign policy, marking the beginning of a trajectory toward ending direct military involvement in Vietnam.