Changes under Nixon, 1969–73 Flashcards

All 8 cards in this deck

What was Vietnamisation?

Nixon's policy of training and equipping the South Vietnamese army to take over the fighting so that US troops could be gradually withdrawn.

Give one reason Vietnamisation failed.

The South Vietnamese army lacked good leadership, training and morale, and still depended on US air support.

What was the Nixon Doctrine (1969)?

Nixon's statement that the USA would give allies money, weapons and training but they must supply their own troops, reducing US military commitments worldwide.

What did Nixon mean by 'peace with honor'?

His 1968 election pledge to withdraw US soldiers from Vietnam without the USA appearing to have been defeated.

Why did Nixon order the invasion of Cambodia in 1970?

To keep pressure on North Vietnam by destroying NVA safe havens and supply bases across the border.

What happened in the attack on Laos in 1971?

South Vietnamese troops, backed by US air power, invaded to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail but were driven back, exposing the weakness of Vietnamisation.

Why did Nixon order the bombing of North Vietnam in 1972?

To put extra pressure on the North Vietnamese to accept peace terms.

When did Nixon begin withdrawing US troops from Vietnam, and when had they all left?

He announced the first withdrawal, of 25,000 men, in June 1969, when about 540,000 were there. The last US troops left in March 1973.