Gerald Ford & James Carter - Foreign Policy Flashcards
The Final Withdrawal from Vietnam
Winter 1974-75 the Communists breached the Paris Peace Accords by beginning an offensive against SV.
Nixon promised Thieu support if peace collapsed, but congress nor public opinion favoured Ford’s appeal to support South Vietnam - Thieu fled SV in April, after accusing the US of selling out.
Evacuated 6000 US personnel, 40000 V. Wives and children and 32000 ‘boat people’ who fled by sea.
Some refugees landed at San Francisco, fuelling public discontent. Last day of evacuation was April 30, 1975.
Why did the US turn against Detente?
*Detente suffered from its association with Nixon.
*Conservatives opposed the 1975 Helsinki Agreement as it constituted ‘appeasement’ of the SU
- West Germany recognise boundaries in Eastern EU.
*Saw communists as taking advantage of detente to build up nuclear arsenal & increase influence in Vietnam and Africa.
Why did the Soviet Union turn against detente?
*Helsinki Agreement led to unrest in Eastern Europe, and international criticism of SU human rights.
*Blamed Sino-American relations for the Chinese invasion of Vietnam.
*Resented SU exclusion from 1978 ME peace process.
Camp David Accords 1978 - Middle East
1973, Israel occupied Egyptian territory in the Sinai Peninsula. Carter invited Israel and Egypts leaders to Camp David in 1978 to sign a peace treaty. Agreed…
*Israel withdraw from Sinai Peninsula, and recognise each other’s governments.
*Israel negotiate peace with Palestinians.
*US monitor to prevent any attacks
First treaty since 1905 that was effectively mediated by a US president.
Iranian Hostage Crisis - Middle East
Islamic Leader, Khomeini toppled Shah’s gov. in 1979.
Carter made the mistake of letting Shah in the USA to be treated for cancer, while followers demanded Shah’s return for his trial in Iran.
Nov. 1979, Islamic militants took control of the USA embassy in Tehran, taking 66 American’s hostage.
After a failed attempt from Carter to free hostages using 8 helicopters (Operation Eagle Claw), they split up the hostages around the country to prevent a 2nd attempt.
In the end, Carter allowed funds to Iran, and agreed not to interfere in Iranian affairs in return for the release of the hostages.
Afghanistan conflict 1978 - Middle East
April 1978, Communist PDPA seized power in Afghan.
The Mujahideen fought back, and civil war broke out.
Christmas 1979, SU invaded supporting communists.
Foreign Advisor, Brzezinski encouraged Carter to retaliate with embargoes on grain sales, and boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
-Also channelled funds to the Mujahideen.
However, the boycott seemed more punishing to the US athletes than to the SU, fuelling public discontent.
By 1980, 64% of Americans believed the US was in ‘deep and serious trouble’
Reasons for Ronald Reagan’s 1980 Election
1980 Presidential debate, Reagan attacked Carter’s rising inflation and unemployment, and asked the US if they were better off than they were 4 years ago.
– Polls show Reagan won the presidential debate.
Reagan’s career as an actor and Hollywood star made him a great communicator and influential speaker.
Reagan won the socially conservative vote. Appealed to the ‘New Right’ of ‘Religious Right’, consisting of 5 million evangelical Christians who supported religion.
