Asia 3.3 The End of the War

Question 1

What were the Paris Peace talks? Who led them, and what did he believe? (AS 3.3)

Answer 1

• A series of public and secret meetings occurring over four years.
• Kissinger, who believed in common sense and practicality.

Question 2

When did public talks begin and end? When did secret talks begin, and when were they announced? What did Nixon say? (AS 3.3)

Answer 2

• Public talks: Jan 1969-Dec 1969.
• Secret Talks resumed February 1970.
• Nixon announces them. Says he aims for ‘peace with honour’.

Question 3

What did NV propose in October 1972? What was signed on the 27th January 1973? When did the last of US forces leave? (AS 3.3)

Answer 3

• A ceasefire where they could remain in any occupied land and hold free elections. Nixon agreed.
• Paris Peace Accord is signed.
• Last US troops left March 1973.

Question 4

What was the aftermath of Vietnam? How did the US fail? (AS 3.3)

Answer 4

• With the US gone, the north attack, taking over everything.
• In April 1975, Saigon falls. Renamed Ho Chi Minh city by the communists, who now rule a united Vietnam. America has failed.

Question 5

How much did the USA and Vietnam spend on the war overall? (AS 3.3)

Answer 5

• 170 billion. (1 trillion today).

- Nothing, but people starved and suffered.

Question 6

How was the environment impacted by the war? (AS 3.3)

Answer 6

-7 million tonnes of bombs destroyed infrastructure. Chemicals caused cancers, illness and deformity.

Question 7

How many Americans died and were injured? How were they impacted psychologically? (AS 3.3)

Answer 7

• 58,000 died.
• 300,000 were wounded.
• Drug addiction and horrors left them scarred.

Question 8

How many Vietnamese died and were injured? How many became refugees? (AS 3.3)

Answer 8

• Soldiers: One million died, 2 million injured.
• Civilians: 2 million died, 5 million injured.
• Eleven million refugees emerged.