Richard Nixon and Vietnamization Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who was Richard Nixon?

VP to Eisenhower, tag team with Kissinger on foreign policy in Vietnam.

What does the communist domino theory imply?

If one country becomes communist, neighboring countries will too. (correct)

All countries will adopt democracy if one does.

The United States will intervene in every communist country.

Communism will fail after a single country's collapse.

What is Vietnamization?

The simultaneous withdrawal of American troops and escalation of military involvement, replacing American soldiers with Vietnamese troops.

What was Nixon's strategy for the Vietnam War?

Mad men theory, unrealistic secret strategy to end the war within one year. Signup and view all the answers

What was Operation Menu?

Massive B-52 bombings campaign along the Cambodian border. Signup and view all the answers

What happened during Nixon's plummeting public approval?

Silent majority supported Nixon. Signup and view all the answers

What did Kissinger's plan in 1971 involve?

Gradually withdrawing at their own pace or compromising with North Vietnamese. Signup and view all the answers

What was launched in late 1970/early 1971?

Offensive into Laos. Signup and view all the answers

What was the situation in 1971/1972 regarding the Vietnam War?

Stalemate with Easter offensive beginning March 30, 1972. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable outcome of the negotiations in 1972?

Both sides suffered exhaustion; Nixon wins reelection. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Richard Nixon

Served as Vice President under Eisenhower.
Collaborated with Henry Kissinger on foreign policies, particularly concerning Vietnam.

Communist Domino Theory

A theory suggesting that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow.

Vietnamese Fractions

Not detailed in the provided content. Further context needed.

Vietnamization

Strategy involving the gradual withdrawal of American troops while increasing Vietnamese military involvement.
Included air support and artillery for Vietnamese forces.
Criticized for being paradoxical and contradictory.

Nixon's Strategy

Employed the “Mad Man Theory” to obscure intentions.
Appointed Kissinger as National Security Advisor in 1968.
Developed a secret plan aiming to conclude the war within a year, deemed unrealistic.
Operation Menu initiated on March 17, 1969, comprising:
- Phase 1: Operation Breakfast - extensive B-52 bombings near the Cambodian border.
- Phase 2: Operation Lunch - further actions along similar lines.
Operation Duck Hook proposed heavy bombardments but was ultimately abandoned in favor of heightened nuclear alerts.

Nixon's Plummeting Public Approval

Sought support from the "silent majority" during his time in office.

Kissinger's Plan (1971)

Advocated gradual withdrawal of troops at a pace comfortable for Vietnamese forces or potential compromises with North Vietnam.

Late 1970/Early 1971

Initiated an offensive into Laos, reflecting an escalation in military actions.

Stalemate (1971/1972)

Marked by the Easter Offensive starting on March 30, 1972, which ultimately failed for the attacking forces.

Negotiations of 1972

Both sides experienced fatigue and exhaustion from prolonged conflict.
Nixon won reelection with a significant margin, capitalizing on his foreign policy strategies.

Negotiations (January 1973)

Further details not provided; context around this period needs clarification.

Description

Explore key concepts related to Richard Nixon's foreign policy, particularly in Vietnam. This quiz covers terms like Vietnamization and the communist domino theory, providing essential insights into this historical era. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of American involvement in Vietnam.