In the latter stages of 1973, the American public’s confidence in the federal government was quickly fading. President Nixon would not resign for nearly another year, yet many were already calling for him to step down. Confidence in Nixon had quickly fallen due to public sentiment regarding the Vietnam War and suspicion of the Watergate Scandal. It was said that the bombings of Laos and Cambodia were clear evidence of Nixon’s, “scant regard for the authority of Cong and for the will of the people.” The people had lost much faith and trust in the man who was meant to lead them through the toughest of times in the Pacific. His lack of leadership and ability to gain the backing of the American people meant that Americans were looking for a stabilizing force.

            As the war worsened and the anti-war movement hit its peak in the middle of the war, the American public lacked a true role model to look to for confidence. At this time, negative sentiment towards the government and the rebellious actions of the anti-war movement, left the country in search for someone or something to instill their faith in. While venturing to the theatre in 1972, moviegoers were introduced to Don Corleone who was both a respected, prominent businessman and a benevolent father. Not only did the Don’s extended family outwardly display its tremendous faith and confidence in him, but even rival mafia families such as the Barzini’s valued his word and leadership. For many viewers, Vito Corleone was so attractive because in many ways he represented the antithesis of the public’s view of Nixon in 1972. While Nixon had promised that the troops were going to come home safely, the Don was a highly principled man who never betrayed his own word. In response to how he completed a transaction, The Godfather responds, “I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.” In such a powerful statement the viewer never has a doubt that he will follow through on his guarantee.  Likewise, while many Americans saw the United States and Nixon as the aggressor in waging an unjustified war against Vietnam, the Corleone family was the initiator in calling a peace conference with all the prominent mafia families in order to rid of inter-family hostility. The audience’s ability to confide in the leadership of Vito Corleone, attracted viewers to the theatre and furthered the movie’s cultural impact.