Nixon and Vietnam Flashcards
What were Nixon’s three key ideas to end the war in Vietnam?
- Vietnamisation
- Linkage
- Mad Bomber
What is Realpolitik?
Actions based on practical situations rather than moral or ideological ideas.
What happened in March 1969?
Operation Menu - the secret bombing of Cambodia.
What was the aim of the invasion of Cambodia in 1970?
To find COSVN the headquarters of the VietCong
How many US troops were withdrawn in Spring 1970?
150,000
What was the Lam Son Offensive of 1971?
Attempt by ARVN to invade Laos. Within two weeks they had taken 50% casualties.
When did secret Hanoi - Washington negotiations begin?
1969
What protest took place in the Autumn of 1969?
The Moratorium. It was an attempt by the anti-war movement to rehabilitate their image after the Chicago riots.
When did My Lai become public knowledge?
1969
When did the Kent State shooting take place?
1970
What did the Kent State shooting lead to?
All college campuses closing down.
What did the Hard Hat Riot show?
That there was a lot of opposition to the anti war movement. In this case construction workers attacked anti-war protestors.
What was Nixon’s approval ratings by 1971?
31%
When was the Easter Offensive launched?
March 1972. 100,000 PAVN were killed or wounded
When did Nixon visit Beijing?
February 1972
When did Nixon visit Moscow?
May 1972
What was Operation Linebacker?
Bombing raids launched by the Americans in May 1972
When did Operation Linebacker II take place?
December 1972
What were the aims of the Linebacker raids?
To reassure Thieu that the US would not abandon him.
Why did Nixon reject the peace deal in Vietnam in October 1972?
- Feared it would look like an election ploy
- Thieu was unhappy with it
How did the US and North Vietnam eventually compromise?
- PAVN could stay in the South but could not take advantage
- Thieu would remain in power, but Communists were also given representation in the South.
Why was Nixon forced to agree to the Paris Peace Accords in January 1973?
Congress had voted to withdraw the funding for the Vietnam War
Why was Nixon forced to resign from the Presidency in August 1974?
Watergate scandal
When did Saigon fall to the Communists?
April 1975
How had the relationship between the USA and China changed by the 1970s?
Relationship was warmer as a result of the summits
How had the relationship between China and Russia changed by the 1970s?
Relationship was cooler due to the Sino-Soviet split.
When did the US end it’s recognition of Taiwan as nationalist China?
1978
Who was Nixon’s chief negotiator?
Kissinger
What was the “silent majority” speech?
Nixon called on the “silent majority” who supported him.
When did Nixon win re-election?
1972