1 / 9

The War Winds Down

This exploration delves into Nixon's Vietnam strategies, focusing on key figures like Henry Kissinger and pivotal events such as the My Lai Massacre and the invasion of Cambodia. It examines Nixon's attempts at 'linkage' to improve relations with China and the Soviet Union, as well as the gradual withdrawal of troops and the implications of the Pentagon Papers. The impact of protests, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution repeal, and the eventual U.S. withdrawal in 1973 are analyzed, shedding light on the costs of war and the disillusionment with government honesty during this turbulent era.

cade-ballard
Download Presentation

The War Winds Down

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. The War Winds Down

  2. Nixon ‘s Attempts • Henry Kissinger • Special Assistant for national security affairs • Linkage • Improve relations with China and the Soviet Union • Rekindled peace talks • Le DucTho • Vietaminzation • Gradual withdrawal of troops • 25,000

  3. More Turmoil • Massacre at My Lai • Thought to destroy VC hideouts • More than 300 unarmed civilians • Denied by the army • Calley was convicted • Sentenced for life • 4 months • 3 years of house arrest

  4. Kent State • Invasion of Cambodia • Nixon did not notify Congress • Protests • National Guard killed 4 students • Had no orders • Jackson State • 2 more students killed

  5. Pentagon Papers • Repealed Gulf of Tonkin Resolution • Daniel Ellsberg • Disillusioned Defense Dept. worker • Privately opposed war, publically defended it • Contained details of deceitful actions • Creditability gap • The government had not been honest

  6. U.S. Pulls Out of Vietnam • 1972 • Nixon won election • Dropped his stance on N. Vietnam withdrawal • “peace is at hand” • S .Vietnam refused • Nguyrn Van Thieu • “Christmas bombings” • January 1973 • Both sides agree to peace, and U.S. ended its direct involvement • March- N. Vietnam invades the S. Vietnam • Nixon had assured help, but had resigned • Saigon renamed Ho Chi Minh City

  7. Cost of War • 150 Billion in direct costs • Approx. 58,000 soldiers died • More than 300, 000 wounded • Around 1 million Vietnamese soldiers • Thousands of civilians • Chemicals • Difficult to accept • War Powers Act • Inform Congress of any commitment abroad within 48 hours • Must withdraw after 60 days unless Congress approves Increased cynicism about the government

  8. Assignment • Read both songs • Deicide which one you want to focus on • Summarize what you think the song is about • Write a poem/song about the Vietnam war • Can be from either perspective • Take your time, be meaningful • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8TwMqpBeL4 • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zY_cM0_6vA

More Related