Chapter Seventeen Flashcards
What did Kissinger attempt with China? What were the results?
Kissinger wanted to bring North Vietnam to the negotiating table, and ensure that US objectives had a chance of being met- and did this through the ‘China Card’.
Use Sino-Soviet split to the USA’s advantage. However, China was not willing t use its potential influence over North Vietnam to support the USA, however the NV were told by the Chinese that they must negotiate in Paris with the Americans.
What did Kissinger attempt with the USSR and Vietnam?
Visited the USSR in order to get its support against North Vietnam, however the Soviets showed no greater enthusiasm than the Chinese- they were watching the War and saw an opportunity for North Vietnamese victory and a united, socialist Vietnam. Were not about to encourage the North Vietnamese to compromise in such circumstances.
What became apparent by 1972 in regards to the Vietnam War?
That the US and NV were not able to fulfill their objectives through military means- Thieu remained determined to keep US mil in the country, and to reject any peace proposals other tan ones that would guarantee long-term non-communist future for SV.
What agreement was reached in August 1972?
Talks began 1972 July. South Vietnamese were excluded from these negotiations, which Thiu was appalled at.
- ceasefire begin Jan 1973
- free elections would occur in 2 years, wherein it was possible for the eventual reunification of Vietnam as a single state.
What happened in 1972 when Nixon won a landslide victory in the presidential election?
He renewed US military efforts in Vietnam, with the purpose of reassuring Thieu and sending a warning to the North Vietnamese that the US would not abandon its ally. December, Nixon ordered bombing of Hanoi and other important Northern cities. Caused a huge outrage and international condemnation.
When was the Paris Peace Agreement finally ratified?
January 1973.
US had to put significant pressure on Thieu to sign it. He knew it signalled the end of South Vietnam.
US military forces were out of Vietnam by the end of March 1973.
What happened after the US withdrew their forces?
South Vietnam’s fears proved to be correct. Upon the US withdrawal, the North Vietnaese began to intensify their guerrilla campaign in the South. Corrupt ARVN was unable to cope with Vietcong’s tactics. US gave aid, including over $1 billion in armaments.
US did not intervene (partly due to Nixon’s actions at home, scandal with bugging the Democratic Party and in 1974 he resigned).
NV, upon realising the US would not intervene, escalated their conventional forces and Thieu’s regime was doomed.
1974 Thieu resigned and 1975 SV surrendered to the North.
What wee the communist leaders correct on?
Their assessment that, with time, they would wear down the Americans who were their only real military opponents.
What action did the US take in Cambodia?
The communists were resolute and this lead Nixon to withdraw US troops- fearing backlash in the US. Although, the US air force continued to bomb the country.
To assist the Cambodian government against the Khmer Rouge, who were supported by North Vietnam US military sent 119 advisors in 1971. Nol welcomed US arms but did not heed their advice, and discouraged cooperation across the army, navy and air force to avoid his overthrow. The poorly paid, inefficiently led soldiers lost any incentive to fight and desertions increased.
What was the impact of the Paris Peace Agreement in January 1973 in Cambodia?
It included a halt of US bombing in Cambodia. Since the Khmer Rouge only numbered 40,000, North Vietnamese exit should have put gov forces on road to success but instead Khmer Rouge intensified fighting. In 1975 US forces were evacuated and within a week Phnom Penh was in the hands of the Khmer Rouge, marking the beginning of a Khmer Rouge revolution.
What actions did the Khmer Rouge take once they had taken control of Cambodia in 1975?
They wanted to create a new agricultural country. With the cities emptied and populations orced into countryside to work as famrers and led a peasant lifestyle. About one million people were killed and almost half population turned into refugees.
What action did the North Vietnamese take in Cambodia and how did this end?
Vietnamese, with Soviet military aid invaded Cambodia, Phnom Penh was captured early Jan 1979 and pro-Vietnam Cambodian Samrin was installed, pol stabilised. Brought Khmer Rouge to an end and leadership fled to countryside.
Where was the cost of the Vietnam War obvious?
Cambodia. Had paid a huge price. But was not the only victim.
What were the costs of the Vietnam War to the USA?
Most divisive War in the USA since the American Civil War. After Tet Offensive 1968 there was a strong anti-War culture. Often divided amongst social class as it was the working classes who were often soldiers and uni students culd be exempt from the draf. Over 58,000 Americans died- 4th highest death rate of all US Wars. Upon return, many Veterans were rejected by Americans who saw them as supporting US policies, and due to the fact that they had lost the War. Veterans also suffered physical and mental difficulties, due t Guerrilla tactics which caused constant fear and paranoia.
What bitter debate followed the War in Vietnam?
Regarding clemency for draft dodgers and deserters. Around 100,000 men left the US to avoid conscription, most going to Canada, which accepted them as legal immigrants. Ford created a Clemency Board to manage an ‘earned amnesty’ process which divided US society.
1977 Jimmy Carter announced intention to give amnesty to all.
