The Ending of Vietnam Conflict- Nixon's War Flashcards
What was the policy of Vietnamization?
Vietnamization was President Nixon’s policy to reduce American involvement in the Vietnam War by gradually transferring combat duties to the South Vietnamese forces and increasing their responsibility in the war
Why did Nixon implement Vietnamization?
Nixon implemented Vietnamization to reduce the number of US troops in Vietnam, appease growing public opposition to the war, and shift the burden of fighting to the South Vietnamese government.
Was Vietnamization successful?
While Vietnamization initially helped reduce US casualties and troop numbers, it failed to create a stable South Vietnamese government capable of defending itself, leading to the fall of Saigon in 1975.
What was Operation Menu in 1970?
Operation Menu was a secret bombing campaign ordered by Nixon against North Vietnamese supply routes and sanctuaries in Cambodia, aiming to disrupt Viet Cong and North Vietnamese operations.
What was the “Christmas Bombing” (Operation Linebacker II)?
The Christmas Bombing, or Operation Linebacker II (1972), was a massive aerial bombing campaign aimed at North Vietnam, conducted over the Christmas period to force North Vietnam to return to peace talks.
How did the renewed bombing campaigns affect public opinion?
The renewed bombing campaigns, especially the secret bombings in Cambodia, sparked massive protests in the US, as many saw it as an escalation of the war and an expansion into neutral countries
How did Nixon’s relations with China affect the Vietnam War?
Nixon’s opening of diplomatic relations with China in 1972 helped shift the balance of the Cold War and put pressure on the Soviet Union and North Vietnam to negotiate, leading to more favorable terms for the US in peace talks.
What was the significance of Nixon’s visit to China in 1972?
Nixon’s visit to China in 1972 marked the beginning of a thaw in US-China relations, which helped the US gain leverage in the Cold War and indirectly influenced the Vietnam War by isolating North Vietnam diplomatically.
Why did Nixon expand the war into Laos and Cambodia?
Nixon expanded the war into Laos and Cambodia to disrupt the Ho Chi Minh Trail and cut off North Vietnamese supply lines. This was part of an effort to weaken the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces.
What were the consequences of the US invasion of Cambodia in 1970?
The invasion of Cambodia led to widespread protests and the destabilization of the region. It also allowed North Vietnamese forces to regroup and led to the rise of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.
How did the expansion into Cambodia and Laos affect US public opinion?
The expansion of the war into Cambodia and Laos increased public disillusionment with the war, as it was seen as an unnecessary escalation that contradicted Nixon’s promises to reduce US involvement.
What were the Kent State University protests in 1970?
The Kent State protests occurred after the announcement of the US invasion of Cambodia. National Guard troops opened fire on student protesters, killing four and injuring nine, leading to national outrage.
What impact did the Kent State shooting have on the anti-war movement?
The Kent State shooting galvanized the anti-war movement, leading to more protests across the country. It became a symbol of the government’s repression of dissent and further fueled opposition to the Vietnam War.
How did the media play a role in increasing opposition to the war?
The media, especially television, broadcast graphic images of the war, including the My Lai Massacre and the Kent State shooting. This contributed to public outrage and growing anti-war sentiment.
What role did the media’s coverage of the war have on American attitudes toward Vietnam?
The media coverage, including daily reports and disturbing images of combat, contributed to a growing disillusionment with the war, shaping public opinion and leading to a decline in support for the government’s war efforts.
