The End of the War and Its Legacy

Nixon and Vietnam

Nixon claimed he had a plan for Vietnam, but he didn’t. He had options drawn up by Henry Kissinger Rapid pullout All out attempt to win the war Slow negotiated withdraw

Vietnamization

“Peace with Honor”

Nixon’s policy of slow retreat.

Slowed down anti-war movement.

Antiwar movement will be restored.

My Lai Massacre March 16, 1968

American soldiers murdered an unknown number of Vietnamese civilians at My Lai.

Nov. 1969 America finds out.

“We huddled them up. I poured about 4 clips into the group…. The mothers was hugging their children…. Well, we kept of firing.”

Cambodia

March 1970 neutral govt. overthrown. Alarmed N. Vietnam. S. Vietnam sends troops. U.S. provides the air support.

April Nixon announces that combat troops are being used.

Student Strikes

Students at 448 colleges go on strike. May 4, 1970 Kent State Massacre

4 dead – 11 wounded May 14, 1970 Jackson State

2 dead – 12 wounded

Pentagon Papers

7,000 page document Revealed govt. had drawn up plans

for entering war even though LBJ said he would not.

No plan to end war as long as Vietnam persisted.

America’s Longest War Ends

Middle of 1972- Nixon’s administration changes it negotiation policy.

March 29, 1973 last American troops leave for home.

On April 30, 1975 Saigon falls.

Painful Legacy

More than 56,000 American deaths. Tens of thousands wounded or

maimed soldiers. Psychological blow to many

Americans. War Powers Act.