1963-1972: Nixon in Vietnam Flashcards
(30 cards)
When did Nixon become president
January 1969 won the 1968 election
When was the study into Vietnam Nixon commissioned
January 1968
What did the study into Vietnam Nixon commissioned say
That SV could not win alone but US could not continue without undermining its position in Germany
Who was Kissinger
Was National Security Advisor in 1969
1973 became secretary of state
What was Nixon’s priority when be became president in Vietnam
Had a ‘secret plan’
Leave Thieu head of a friendly SV
Get America out of Vietnam
What were Nixon’s strategy to leave Vietnam
Vietnamisation
Escalation and extension of war and bombing
Diplomatic initiatives
What was Vietnamisation
Withdrawal of US forces and replace them with SV forces. Making the war a Vietnam war rather than an American one
What benefits did Nixon with Vietnamisation hope to bring
Strengthen his negotiating position with NV as thought it would show NV that SV was secure
Limit US engagement between conflicts that looked unwinnable
How was Vietnamisation supported
Nixon gave resources as troops would be paid more, benefits improved
When was Operation Linebacker
April 1971
What was Operation Linebacker
Air attack by B52 bombers on strategic targets in North Vietnam
When was Operation Menu
March 1969
What was Operation Menu
Secret bombing of NLF/PAVN in Cambodia to pressure North into negotiations
How did the regime change in Cambodia
Prince Nordam Sihanouk proclaimed Cambodia since 1955 with Sihanouk tolerating Communist.
Under pressure from Washington NV no longer welcome
1970 Prince Sihanouk deposed by pro-American Gen Lon Nol leading to country borders closed and invasions into Cambodia
How did the public view USA invading Cambodia
American public questioned Americas role as a world policeman
What was the Khmer Rouge
Communist party in Cambodia gaining power in April 1975 after USA signed Paris Peace agreement
Who was the leader of the Khmer Rouge
Pol Pot
When did Cambodia attack Vietnam border
25th December 1978
How did Vietnam respond to Cambodia attacking their border
Vietnamese invaded Cambodia and on January 1979 Vietnam captured and installed Heng Samrin ending the Khmer Rouge
What was operation Lam Som 719
Nixon supporting ARVN invasion of Laos with US support
Why did Nixon invade Laos
To support SV as US forces left and to disrupt Ho Chi Minh trail
Evaluation of the invasion into Laos
Show weakness of ARVN and leader
Only halfway in Laos before retreating
Showed Vietnamisation not working
Winning war was slim
When was the Mad Bomber
In 1972
What was the Mad Bomber campaign
Where Nixon would bomb people into negotiations to make it appear he would use nuclear weapons
