Short Answer 
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 marked a significant achievement for the Left in advancing social justice, while the Right saw it as an infringement on states’ rights. The 1968 Democratic National Convention highlighted internal conflicts within the party, intensifying radicalization on the Left and reinforcing conservative critiques from the Right. The Vietnam War protests further polarized opinions, with the Left embracing anti-war sentiments and the Right condemning the protests as unpatriotic.
Step 1: Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark legislation that outlawed discrimination in several areas. For the Left, this act was a significant achievement as it championed social justice and equality, helping to advance their agenda for civil rights. However, the Right viewed it as an infringement on states’ rights and individual freedoms, amplifying the ideological divide on race and equality issues.
Step 2: 1968 Democratic National Convention
The 1968 Democratic National Convention became a battleground for differing political ideologies within the party, marked by protests and riots. The Left was further radicalized as these events underscored the internal conflicts over the Vietnam War, leading to new political movements. In contrast, the Right interpreted the chaos as a sign of the failures of liberalism, bolstering their conservative platforms against emerging countercultures and anti-war sentiments.
Step 3: Vietnam War Protests
The protests against the Vietnam War were pivotal in shaping political discourse in the 1960s. For the Left, these protests represented a surge in anti-war sentiment and were integral to the counterculture movement. Nevertheless, the Right condemned these protests as unpatriotic and damaging to national security, promoting a narrative that portrayed demonstrators as threats to the nation’s integrity and interests.