Lesson Notes – Vietnamisation
What was it? A plan to increase the size and effectiveness of South Vietnamese forces while drawing down size of US military role in that country.
1969 Nixon sent Kissinger to Paris to reopen talks with North Vietnamese diplomats. Kissinger proposed; Nixon decided on a carrot-and-stick approach – a tactic that combines actions that reward (the carrot) with actions that punish (the stick). Using this approach, he hoped to persuade the North Vietnamese to accept a negotiated end to the war.
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Ending the bombing of the North (the carrot) – in exchange for an agreement on both sides to withdraw their troops from South Vietnam. South Vietnam remain independent.
The North Vietnamese rejected this offer, saying they were prepared to remain in Paris, “until the chairs rot.”
Nixon introduced Vietnamisation. It formed part of a wider policy. 1) Establish political reform by increasing public participation in government 2) Rural development – Economic opportunity in the countryside 3) Strengthen South Vietnams military forces News of the My Lai massacre broke in the States and Noxn accelerated withdrawal, as seen below.
March 1969 Nixon orders the secret bombing of Cambodia;. Angry at the failure to take peace talks seriously, Nixon ordered the invasion of Cambodia. Cambodian Incursion Results; Casualties;
Domestic;
Why did Nixon invade Cambodia? (12 marks) – See model answer;
END OF 1970
WHAT DOES CONGRESS DO? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
WHAT DOES CONGRESS DO IN FEBRUARY 1971 – WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
1971 – New American Policy – Record Notes Plan
Results of Lam Son 719 “As far as American manpower is concerned, there are no American troops in Laos” Richard Nixon
In 1971, a top-secret study known as the Pentagon Papers were leaked to the New York Times. The study reviewed how previous administrations had deceived (lied) Congress and the public about Vietnam. Nixon fought to stop the publication of the study, however, the Supreme Court sided with the New York Times.