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Published byLaura Goodman Modified over 8 years ago
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VIETNAM
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Nixon’s Policy “Vietnamization” withdraw troops slowly, and pass fighting to South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) 1969-1973 went from 500,000 troops to less than 25,000. Secretly increased bombing in North, Laos, & Cambodia 1970 invaded Cambodia Read about Kent State
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Americans deceived… Pentagon Papers Daniel Ellsberg, a former government researcher, copied classified documents: “Pentagon Papers” Papers documented American involvement in Vietnam Showed that the government had lied to the American public and Congress about what was going on in Vietnam to gain support Publication led to Nixon’s paranoia and illegal acts…
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Election of 1972 Nixon was fearful that protest movement & Pentagon Papers discredited him & that he would not be re-elected Set out to “destroy” these groups Orders a series of “dirty tricks” (wiretaps, CIA surveillance, lying to the public, break-ins, illegal campaign contributions, and money laundering) Led to “Watergate” (term used to describe all of Nixon’s dirty tricks and the resulting impeachment & resignation of Nixon) Solidified Americans distrust of the government
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Nixon was afraid he would not get re-elected in 1972 Election His campaign team, “CRP,” (Committee to Re-Elect the President) was determined to discredit the Democratic Party 5 men broke in to the Democratic Headquarters at the Watergate Building Complex – plan to steal documents & wiretap office – they are arrested series of illegal acts begin, to cover-up involvement of CRP in break-in Two Washington Post reporters, Bob Woodward & Carl Bernstein, begin to investigate cover-up Senate begins an investigation…the big question: “What did the president know and when did he know it?” Nixon & Watergate
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Senate discovers that Nixon had taped all of his presidential conversations Senate demands copies of tapes – a year long battle ensues several White House officials are fired & V.P Spiro Agnew resigns (Gerald Ford is appointed as V.P) In 1974 Nixon released edited versions of tapes – Supreme Court orders Nixon to surrender unedited versions Senate impeaches (accuses) President of three crimes obstruction of justice abuse of power Contempt of Congress Nixon releases tapes, but parts have been “accidently” erased Nixon resigns & Gerald Ford becomes President Americans are totally disillusioned with government
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1973 Peace Treaty & Continuing war U.S. troops exit war N.& S. Vietnam remain divided Fighting continued between N.& S. Without U.S. aid, South fell to N. Vietnamese forces in 1975 Vietnam becomes communist U.S. refuses to recognize Vietnam
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2.7 million men & women served many experienced feelings of guilt, & responsibility distrustful of government some experienced problems with drugs, alcohol, joblessness, broken homes, and PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder) Effects on U.S. Soldiers…
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58,000 American deaths Between $150 & $200 billion spent Polarized American people Led to political distrust (suspicion of government) Americans doubtful of foreign affairs Tarnished reputation of U.S. led to the “War Powers Act” (limits the ability for President to send troops without Congressional approval) Effects on American society
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stopped blocking of international loans lifted trade embargo opening of embassies established full diplomatic relations U.S. & Vietnam Today Clinton normalized relations with Vietnam Vietnam is currently a united country with the communist party remaining dominant in politics
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We Will Never Forget… Vietnam Veteran Memorial Washington D.C.
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