USH 19:3 The War Winds Down Henry Kissinger – Harvard professor appointed to use diplomacy to end the war “Linkage” – Kissinger policy which aimed to » Improve relations with Russia and China » Negotiate with North Vietnamese

The War Winds Down “Vietnamization” – Gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops – South Vietnamese troops take on a larger role

The War Winds Down Turmoil at Home – Massacre at My Lai Innocent South Vietnamese slaughtered – Americans outraged at home – Invasion of Cambodia Nixon orders invasion to attack Vietcong camps Many Americans see this as a widening of the war

The War Winds Down The Pentagon Papers (1971) – Former Defense Dept employee Daniel Ellsberg – Leaked secret documents to the press Johnson Administration officials publicly supported the war, but in private questioned it Presidents wanted to expand the war without the consent of Congress Government had lied to the people about the war

The War Winds Down “Christmas Bombings” – U.S. launches one last bombing offensive – North Vietnam and U.S. begin peace talks January, 1973: peace treaty signed March, 1975: North Vietnamese troops invade South Vietnam

The Legacy of Vietnam $171 billion cost 58,000 American deaths 300,000 injured Many soldiers suffered psychological problems POW/MIAs 1982: Vietnam Wall – Nation begins healing

The Legacy of Vietnam War Powers Act (1973) – Reestablish limits on president’s power – President must inform Congress within 48 hours of troop deployment – Must withdraw troops in days Unless Congress approves Ultimate Legacy of Vietnam – Many Americans do not trust government or leaders