The Century, America's Time: Approaching the Apocalypse (3 of 3)

Summary

The script recounts the experiences of American POWs during the Vietnam War, their release during peace negotiations, and the public's mixed response to their return. It delves into the disillusionment following the war, the Watergate scandal that led to Nixon's resignation, and the fall of Saigon in 1975. The narrative captures the emotional turmoil of the era, reflecting on the loss and the impact of these events on American society and its perception of the presidency.

Takeaways

• 📢 The script recounts the experience of prisoners of war (POWs) who were subjected to propaganda broadcasts by their captors, highlighting the psychological impact of war on individuals.
• 🌕 The POWs learned about the moon landing through their captors' broadcasts, which was a moment of celebration and unity among them, despite their captivity.
• 🏠 Many POWs felt a sense of alienation and discomfort upon returning home, as they struggled to reintegrate into society and deal with the aftermath of their experiences.
• 🎉 The return of American POWs was a moment of national relief and celebration, contrasting with the general public's indifference towards the Vietnam War.
• 🏛️ President Nixon's White House hosted a celebration for the POWs, indicating a high point of his administration before the Watergate scandal unfolded.
• 💼 The Watergate scandal deeply affected American politics, leading to a loss of trust in the government and a series of investigations into the Nixon administration.
• 📺 The Watergate hearings were a public spectacle, drawing large audiences and revealing the extent of political corruption and misconduct.
• 🔍 The relentless pursuit by Congress and the press exposed the Nixon administration's wrongdoings, contributing to the eventual resignation of President Nixon.
• 🚨 Vice President Agnew's resignation due to separate charges of extortion, bribery, and tax evasion added to the turmoil within the Nixon administration.
• 📢 Nixon's infamous statement 'I am not a crook' during a press conference underscored the public's skepticism and the gravity of the allegations against him.
• 🏳️ The fall of Saigon to the North Vietnamese forces symbolized the end of the Vietnam War and a period of national introspection for the United States.

Q & A

What was the significance of the loudspeaker broadcasts for prisoners of war?

The loudspeaker broadcasts were a form of psychological warfare, used to inform the prisoners of war about the ongoing peace negotiations and to criticize the United States' policies, particularly their bombing campaigns.

How did the prisoners of war react to the news of the moon landing?

The prisoners of war were surprised and cheered upon hearing about the moon landing, as it was the first they knew about it. This news also served as a point of pride and connection to their home country.

What was the general sentiment towards the Vietnam War among the American public by the end of 1972?

By the end of 1972, the American public was largely indifferent to the Vietnam War. The economy was booming, and most people were not concerned about the conflict, despite what they might claim in retrospect.

How did returning veterans feel about their reception back home?

Many returning veterans felt uncomfortable and out of place, as if they did not fit into civilian life. They often felt unwelcome and as if they represented a war that Americans wanted to forget.

What was the reaction to the return of American POWs?

The return of American POWs was seen as a moment of victory and was met with an outpouring of emotion, support, and celebration from the public, which was overwhelming for the veterans.

What was the significance of President Nixon's White House party for the POWs?

The White House party was a high point of recognition and honor for the POWs, symbolizing a moment of national unity and appreciation for their sacrifice, despite the political turmoil of the time.

How did the Watergate scandal impact the perception of the Nixon administration?

The Watergate scandal eroded public trust in the Nixon administration, revealing systemic wrongdoing and corruption at the highest levels of government, which was a shock to many Americans.

What was the role of the press in the Watergate scandal?

The press played a crucial role in uncovering the Watergate scandal, with journalists relentlessly pursuing the truth and bringing the administration's wrongdoings to light.

How did the resignation of Vice President Agnew affect the Nixon administration?

Vice President Agnew's resignation due to separate charges of extortion, bribery, and tax evasion added to the sense of crisis and instability within the Nixon administration.

What was President Nixon's response to the mounting evidence of wrongdoing?

President Nixon attempted to distance himself from the scandal, deny involvement, and rationalize the events. However, the evidence was overwhelming, leading to his eventual resignation.

What was the emotional impact of the fall of Saigon on those who had served in Vietnam?

The fall of Saigon was a deeply emotional event for those who had served, evoking feelings of sadness, regret, relief, and a sense of loss. It symbolized the end of a long and painful chapter in their lives.

Outlines

00:00

📢 POWs and the Vietnam War's Impact on America

This paragraph discusses the daily life of prisoners of war (POWs) during the Vietnam War, their feelings of isolation and the contrast between their captivity and the moon landing, which they learned about from their captors. It also touches on the public's indifference to the war and the challenges faced by returning veterans, who felt disconnected from society. The paragraph concludes with the emotional return of American POWs and their reception by President Nixon at the White House, highlighting the sense of victory amidst a largely forgotten war.

05:04

🏛 The Watergate Scandal and Nixon's Downfall

This paragraph delves into the Watergate scandal, which overshadowed the end of the Vietnam War. It describes the unfolding crisis, the subsequent hearings, and the impact on the Nixon administration. The narrative captures the public's fascination with the scandal and the revelation of systemic wrongdoing at the highest levels of government. The paragraph details Nixon's attempts to save his presidency, the resignation of Vice President Agnew, and ultimately, Nixon's own resignation, marking a significant and tragic end to his term.

10:06

🚁 The Fall of Saigon and America's Search for Renewal

The final paragraph recounts the fall of Saigon and the evacuation of American personnel and Vietnamese refugees, symbolizing the end of American involvement in Vietnam. It provides a first-hand account of the chaotic scenes during the evacuation and the emotional response of those involved. The paragraph reflects on the deep sense of loss and the broader implications for America's national confidence and unity. It concludes with a look forward to the 1970s, a decade marked by a desire to recover and redefine America's purpose in the world.

Keywords

💡Loudspeaker

A loudspeaker is a device that amplifies sound, often used for public announcements or broadcasts. In the video's context, it symbolizes the communication method used by captors to disseminate information to prisoners of war, highlighting the control and psychological impact on the captives.

💡Peace negotiations

Peace negotiations refer to diplomatic discussions aimed at ending conflict or resolving disputes peacefully. The script mentions that the release of prisoners of war became a crucial part of these negotiations, indicating the high stakes and the political nature of their captivity.

💡Hanoi Hannah

Hanoi Hannah was a nickname given to the unidentified female broadcaster who relayed propaganda messages to American POWs during the Vietnam War. The term in the script represents the voice of the enemy's propaganda machine, used to demoralize and manipulate the prisoners.

💡Moon-landing

The moon-landing refers to the event when humans first set foot on the moon, a significant milestone in space exploration. In the script, learning about the moon-landing was the prisoners' first awareness of this historic event, symbolizing a moment of unity and pride amidst their captivity.

💡Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a conflict in Southeast Asia from 1955 to 1975, involving the United States and other countries against North Vietnam and the Viet Cong. The script discusses the war's impact on American POWs, their treatment, and the broader implications for American society and politics.

💡Watergate

Watergate refers to a political scandal in the United States during the 1970s, involving the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up. The script uses Watergate to illustrate a domestic crisis that unfolded in parallel with the aftermath of the Vietnam War, contributing to a period of national disillusionment.

💡President Nixon

President Nixon, or Richard Nixon, was the 37th President of the United States. The script discusses his role in the Vietnam War's end, the Watergate scandal, and his eventual resignation, which marked a significant moment of political upheaval in American history.

💡POWs (Prisoners of War)

POWs, or prisoners of war, are individuals captured by an enemy during armed conflict. The script focuses on the experiences of American POWs in Vietnam, their treatment, and the emotional impact of their eventual return home, which was met with mixed reactions from the public.

💡Fall of Vietnam

The fall of Vietnam refers to the capture of Saigon by North Vietnamese forces in 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War. The script describes the emotional response to this event, reflecting a sense of loss and failure for the United States.

💡National purpose

National purpose refers to a shared goal or set of values that guide a nation's actions and policies. The script suggests that the fall of Vietnam and the Watergate scandal led to a search for a renewed sense of national purpose in the United States during the 1970s.

💡Peter Jennings

Peter Jennings was a Canadian-born journalist who served as the lead anchor for ABC World News Tonight. In the script, he is the narrator providing an overview of the historical events and their significance, adding a layer of authority and context to the discussion.

Highlights

Prisoners of war were scolded about bombings by their captors and Hanoi Hannah.

The United States was criticized for bombing innocent civilians and continuing belligerent policies despite the moon landing plaque's message of peace.

The moon landing was first announced to the prisoners, sparking cheers throughout the camp.

Some prisoners of war spent their seventh Christmas in captivity with no guarantee of release.

The end of the Vietnam War was met with indifference by the American public, who were prospering economically and not focused on the war.

Veterans returning from Vietnam felt disconnected and uncomfortable, often feeling unwelcome in civilian life.

The return of American POWs was a moment of victory, with overwhelming public support and emotion.

President Nixon invited POWs to the White House, marking a high point in his administration before the Watergate scandal.

The Watergate scandal involved break-ins, spying on anti-war activists, and punishing political enemies.

Watergate hearings brought numerous White House aides to testify, revealing systemic wrongdoing.

President Nixon's actions were compared to the actions of private sensors, with no knowledge of planning for the Watergate break-in.

The Nixon administration was in shambles, paralyzed by the need to defend against Watergate allegations.

Vice President Agnew resigned due to a separate scandal involving extortion, bribery, and tax evasion.

President Nixon declared, 'I am not a crook,' in a news conference, a statement that was unprecedented for a U.S. president.

Nixon's resignation was a relief, marking the end of a troubled presidency.

The fall of Saigon in 1975 symbolized the end of the Vietnam War and a tragic loss for the United States.

The final day of the war was marked by a range of emotions, including sadness, regret, and relief, but not happiness.

The fall of Vietnam was seen as the nadir of a humiliating episode in American history, leading to a desire for national recovery and purpose.

Transcripts

there was a loudspeaker every morning

and every afternoon we had an English

broadcast the prisoners of war whose

release had become a crucial part of the

peace negotiations were scolded about

the bombings by their captors and Hanoi

Hannah said how can the United States

continue with their bellicose and

obdurate policies bombing and strafing

innocent women and children churches

hospitals how can they do all that after

they've placed a plaque on the moon

saying we come in peace for all mankind

and everyone said on the moon and that

was the first we knew about our

moon-landing and there were cheers all

the way through the camp after that we'd

point the guards at guards would come up

when we'd go

we point to the moon you know and say us

us

for some prisoners of war it was their

seventh Christmas in captivity at the

end of 1972 there was still no guarantee

they never get home

the end of America's longest war was met

with no celebration in Times Square no

honking of horns on Main Street USA the

day the peace agreement in Vietnam was

signed went by like any other people

were prospering the economy was booming

and most people didn't give a damn about

Vietnam whatever they say now they

really didn't

it was very despairing a very rough

years coming back from that war from

most fence I didn't feel like I fit or

something I wasn't the same person as

person and if you like in civilian it's

hard to explain I was very uncomfortable

coming home very uncomfortable

I'm on a civilian plane I'm flying from

Los Angeles to Newark non-stop and the

gentleman sat down he was in a

three-piece suit he had a briefcase and

he kind of flipped down his tray and he

was going through his briefcase and we

made small talk before we took off you

know Wayne I don't see that where you

coming from my tone Vietnam and as soon

as the sign came on then you were free

to move around the cabin he pushed the

button for the stewardess she came and

he looked up at her and she said can I

help you and he said yes I need another

seat on this airplane as far away from

this gentleman as I can get

returning vets often felt they

represented a war that Americans wanted

to forget but if there was one moment

that felt like a victory it was the

return of the American POWs so we

thought well you know maybe you get your

name in the paper but nothing like that

it was people everywhere we went that

didn't know us we didn't know them

outpourings of motion and feelings tears

it was just overwhelming

it really was

President Nixon invited us to the White

House for a a party at dinner and

everything though many believe we never

could win I joined his work grim but you

had faith in it was a lot of celebrities

and I remembered John Wayne was there so

we're walking around talking with with

the Duke you know was pretty pretty cool

I bet we have now right up into the

sunset with you anytime

it was it was a grand time is fun

it was the next person CF repeat it

ended the reward with honor the POWs

were were there at the White House and

mixi was at 70% it was really the apex I

think of the Nixon administration

and the month of course the Watergate

thing ruptured and broke

the crisis in Vietnam would soon be

replaced by a new crisis at home a

growing scandal stemming from a break-in

at the Democratic National Committee

headquarters in the office complex known

as Watergate hearings on Watergate

dragged one White House aide after

another in front of Congress to answer

questions about systemic wrongdoing in

the highest office in the land Watergate

was certainly a fascinating spectacle

suddenly all the bad things the left had

been saying throughout the Vietnam

protests seemed to be proven true in

spades just about a field will you stand

the televisor he's drew in an enormous

audience use well the ambulance that you

shoot this was the first time the

American people had ever heard that the

present United States did things like

that but I guarantee he knew what the

private sensors had done it didn't all

start with Watergate it was ample

precedent for everything that Nixon did

Nixon got caught there was one

outrageous charge after another

break-ins spying on anti-war activists

punishing political enemies and all of

the millions of words of testimony there

is not the slightest suggestion that I

had any knowledge of the planning for

the Watergate break-in congressional

committees in their battery of lawyers

were bringing the charges closer to the

Oval Office one of the president's

lawyers at the time was Leonard garment

this show of the week month year decade

for young lawyers hello young lawyers

wherever you are and they were drawn by

the excitement of the pursuit of this

the great white whale all these a haps

there was a constant pursuit by Congress

and the press it sometimes seemed the

administration was coming unpinned it

looked that way in New Orleans when

President Nixon shoved press secretary

Ron Ziegler toward a horde of reporters

and Nixon was trying every which way

how could he save his presidency how

could he pin it on somebody else

how could he rationalize what happened

the Nixon White House was in least from

the external and even from the

journalist Bob use in real shambles

they were paralyzed I mean that they

could do nothing but defend against

Watergate and in the middle of all that

the country was subjected to further

signs of collapse I will not resign if

indicted I will not resign if and by in

October of 1973 vice president Agnew the

administration's top spokesman for law

and order did resign after he was

charged with extortion bribery and tax

evasion in a separate scandal all his

own ladies and gentlemen the President

of the United States but even as his

allies were falling around him the

president was determined to finish his

watch

I welcome this kind of examination

because people have got to know whether

or not their presidents a crook well I'm

not a crook

I earned everything I've got imagine a

predator in the United States in a news

conference on to national television say

I am NOT a crook you know you never even

before that ever conceived that a

president might be a crook he just all

began to mount up and ultimately it was

a collapsed good evening this is the

37th time I have spoken to you from this

office where so many to search it was

all to me overwhelming even for the

toughest of battle-scarred politicians

I shall resign the presidency effective

at noon tomorrow we could never take the

presidency quite as seriously again it

may be was purgative it kind of ended

ended that particular unhappy decade the

to hep Nixon resign and they'd rather

blank but the nine figure Gerry Ford

take over

his resignation was a relief

now casting off of an old snakeskin

moving forward

in April of 1975 two years after

American combat troops left Vietnam

North Vietnamese forces reach the

outskirts of Saigon the South Vietnamese

capital an ally the United States had

supported with men and materiel for

nearly two decades was about to fall to

the Communists it's almost like we were

never there now and that's the tragedy

of it I think

on April the 29th there were still more

than a thousand American personnel of

the city they and 6,000 desperate South

Vietnamese were helicoptered out as the

last remnants of American power fled

Saigon

Metron Phil Caputo had returned to

Vietnam as a reporter the North

Vietnamese were shelling consignee

airbase

I remember some of those shells landing

close among the building was just

trembling and somebody said go go go and

I remember running out and just leaping

in this big ch-53 helicopter huge thing

must have been 60 70 maybe 80 Vietnamese

refugees and a few American news men and

full of people from the embassy and in

the helicopter took off

Norma just looking down and just seeing

this this brown in green country then we

cross the coast the site I'll never

forget the seventh Fleet can mustered up

there then we're going to take refugees

out eyes looked at all of this might and

I said we got whipped by a bunch of

peasant guerrillas in the eyes on the

next day victorious North Vietnamese

troops rolled into Saigon

ten o'clock in the morning the radio

allows that you know the South

Vietnamese at surrender and and that was

it you know we hug one another and cried

for me it's a long many long years and

now we see the final day

I felt in a whole range range of

emotions I mean I felt sad I felt

regretful I felt relieved that it was

over maybe they were the one emotion I

didn't feel was any sense of happiness

or or joy I felt a sense of loss like it

stays with you forever Vietnam will be

there until the day I joined the so I

joined the friends of mine who died

before me they think they won't ever go

away

for America the fall of Vietnam would

symbolize the end of an era the post-war

era of confidence unity and optimism

America had found that there were some

burdens too great to bear and some

prices too steep to pay

you

the fall of Vietnam was the nadir of a

humiliating episode in American history

the desire to begin again to recover

some sense of national purpose would

drive American life through the

remaining years of the 1970s that's on

the next episode of the century

America's time and we hope you'll join

us I'm Peter Jennings