Conflict and tension in Asia, 1950–1975, Part three: The ending of conflict in Vietnam Flashcards
Who was elected in 1968 US presidential elections?
Richard Nixon
What was Nixon’s problem in Vietnam?
- He could not win the war
- If he withdrew, communism would spread and people would question the object of the war.
When did Nixon announce Vietnamisation?
3rd November 1969
What was Vietnamisation?
The ARVN would be trained to a high level and given high-tech equipment and the US forces would gradually come home.
By the end of 1969, what proportion of soldiers came home from Vietnam?
Only 85k of the 540k.
Why did Nixon give permission for Cambodia and Laos to be targeted?
Some of the main Vietcong bases were there.
Why did opposition to the war grow?
- More media coverage of the war
- Too much money spent
- USA not winning
- The ‘draft’ system
How many men were drafted?
2 million between ‘64 and ‘72
What group was particularly involved in the anti-war movement?
College students.
What happened at Kent State Universty?
Four students were shot dead by police during a anti-war protest.
What day was the Kent State University events?
Monday 4th May 1970
What event sparked the Kent State protests?
Nixon announced the US invasion of Cambodia on 30th April 1970.
What day did Nixon order the invasion of Cambodia?
30th April 1970
How many people were gathered at the Kent State protests?
3000: 1500 protesters and 1500 bystanders, watching.
What did the Mayor of Kent do before the Kent State University protests?
He ordered 1000 National Guardsmen to keep order at the protest.
What led to the National Guard firing bullets?
The protest turned violent – protesters throwing rocks and the National Guardsmen firing tear gas.
How many bullets were fired by the National Guard at Kent State?
Between 61 and 67 bullets.
What happened on the 15th November 1969?
The largest anti-war protest in history: 500,000 people marched in Washington DC
What was the most notable anti-war protest and when did it happen?
Washington DC 15th November 1969. 500,000 people present.
How many people died at the Kent State University shootings?
4 people killed, 9 injured.
What was the outcome of the Kent State shootings?
- Colleges closed as two million students refused to show up.
- The media reported it, and the people were shocked.
What did a government report conclude on the Kent State University shootings?
That it was ‘unnecessary, unwarranted, and inexcusable’.
What state is Kent in?
Ohio
What proportion of Americans had a TV during the Korean War?
Only 9%