Chapter 14: President Nixon's Policies in Vietnam Flashcards
Vietnamisation, Cambodia, Laos, China, Peace talks
1
Q
When did Nixon become president and for what party?
A
- Jan 1969
- Republican
2
Q
What was Nixon’s aims in Vietnam?
A
- End war quickly
- Keep SV independent and non communist
- Peace with honour
- Concern about public opinion - esp after My Lai massacre 1968
3
Q
What were the aims of Vietnamisation?
A
- To strengthen ARVN to be more effective
- Reduce ground troops numbers
- Hope to achieve peace by strengthening their negotiating position
4
Q
What actions were taken for Vietnamisation?
A
- Troop withdrawal –> June 1969 - 543,000, June 1972 - 47,000
- Professionalised the actions of ARVN -> inc pay, career structure, equipment -> 82,000 1968 - 1mil 1970
5
Q
How was Vietnamisation a success?
A
- ARVN now able to resist - 1972 spring offensive - had 5x less casualties than NV
- Op Linebacker - 150,000 tonnes bombs - boosted morale
6
Q
How did Vietnamisation fail?
A
- ARVN - low morale, high casualties, corruption, high desertions, still dependent on US aid
7
Q
When did the war enter Cambodia and what was the operation?
A
- March 1969
- Operation Menu
8
Q
What were the aims of entering Cambodia?
A
- Destroy HCM trail
- Show commitment to SV
- Compensate for withdrawals from SV
- Pressure NV into a settlement
9
Q
Why was Cambodia an increasing concern?
A
- 1970 - Cambodian leader overthrown by pro-US general Lon Nol
- NV back the opposing communist party - Khumer Rouge - led by Pol Pot
- Fear of communism spreading to Cambodia
10
Q
How was Cambodia a success?
A
- NLF prevented by bombings
- Supplies destroyed and captured
- Reduced possibility of a NV offensive
11
Q
How did Cambodia fail?
A
- NV strengthen communist support
- No strategic US gains
- US inc commitment while trying to withdraw
- Inc domestic criticism
- Gulf of Tonkin Resolution revoked
- Troops banned from anywhere except Vietnam by Congress
12
Q
What was a domestic impact to these campaigns?
A
- Inc criticism esp after My Lai massacre
- 4 students shot at Kent state uni by guardsmen 1970
13
Q
When did the war spread to Laos and what was the operation?
A
- Feb 1971
- Operation Lan Son 719
14
Q
What was the nature of the invasion of Laos?
A
- Air support only –> troops banned from anywhere but Vietnam by Congress
- Fear of a push from communism - yr of elections, expect a communist attack
15
Q
What were the aims of the campaign in Laos?
A
- To disrupt the HCM trail
- Prevent a NV offensive