Why the US Left Vietnam (Documentary)

Summary

This script delves into the pivotal moments of the Vietnam War during 1968-1973, highlighting President Nixon's policies of 'Vietnamisation' and 'mad man theory' to de-escalate US involvement while seeking 'peace with honor.' It covers Nixon's election, troop withdrawals, the ARVN's challenges, the Easter Offensive, and the Paris Peace Accords. The narrative also touches on domestic dissent, military morale issues, and the use of covert surveillance by the Nixon administration.

Takeaways

• 🇺🇸 The Vietnam War saw a shift in U.S. policy under President Nixon, who promised 'peace with honor' and began withdrawing troops, a strategy known as 'Vietnamisation'.
• 🔄 Nixon's 'mad man theory' involved using threats of overwhelming force, including nuclear threats, to coerce North Vietnam into negotiations.
• 💥 The Tet Offensive in 1968 was a turning point for the U.S., resulting in significant casualties and contributing to a loss of public support for the war.
• 🗳️ The 1968 U.S. election saw Nixon with a clear advantage, partly due to President Johnson's ceasefire announcement which temporarily boosted Democratic chances but was undermined by South Vietnam's President Thieu.
• 🛑 The U.S. bombing halt and negotiations with North Vietnam were influenced by domestic political interests and the desire to end the war on favorable terms for the U.S.
• 🌍 Nixon's foreign policy included a diplomatic mission to China aimed at isolating North Vietnam, but it had limited impact on North Vietnam's stance.
• 🚨 The Easter Offensive in 1972 demonstrated North Vietnam's military strength and the effectiveness of their new equipment, despite initial ARVN resistance.
• 🏳️ The U.S. sought a 'decent interval' between its withdrawal and the potential collapse of South Vietnam to maintain its global reputation.
• 🔄 The Paris Peace Accords of 1973 allowed North Vietnam to maintain troops in the South, leading to the U.S. withdrawal and leaving South Vietnam to face its fate alone.
• 📊 Public opinion in the U.S. turned against the war, with a majority favoring withdrawal even at the risk of a South Vietnamese collapse.
• 🛑 The My Lai Massacre and the subsequent trial of Lieutenant Calley revealed the atrocities committed during the war and further divided U.S. public opinion.

Q & A

What significant change did President Nixon promise to make regarding the Vietnam War?

President Nixon promised to withdraw American troops from Vietnam, aiming to bring an end to the United States' involvement in the conflict known as the Vietnam quagmire.

What was the Tet Offensive and why was it significant for the US in 1968?

The Tet Offensive was a series of surprise attacks launched by North Vietnamese forces against South Vietnam and its allies during the Vietnam War. It was significant for the US as it resulted in around 100,000 US casualties, including killed, wounded, and missing soldiers, marking a bloody climax for American involvement.

How did the political assassinations in the US during 1968 impact the Vietnam War?

The assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, two prominent figures who had influence on public opinion regarding the war, intensified the division on the streets of the US and contributed to the anti-war sentiment, which in turn affected the political landscape and the war effort.

What policy shift did President Johnson oversee in Vietnam?

President Johnson oversaw a shift in Vietnam policy by replacing General William Westmoreland with General Creighton Abrams, who emphasized pacification, defections, and selectively targeting Viet Cong figures over large-scale offensives.

What was the 'mad man theory' developed by Nixon and how was it intended to be used?

The 'mad man theory' was a strategy developed by Nixon to convince North Vietnam that he was willing to take extreme measures, including the use of nuclear weapons, to end the war. It was based on his reputation as a fierce anti-communist and aimed to coerce North Vietnam into accepting US demands for peace.

What was the policy of 'Vietnamisation' and how did it affect the South Vietnamese ARVN?

The policy of 'Vietnamisation' involved the withdrawal of US troops and the transfer of the primary fighting responsibility to the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN). This policy led to the expansion and modernization of the ARVN, making it one of the largest and best-equipped forces in the world on paper, but also highlighted issues of corruption and low morale.

How did the US involvement in Cambodia impact the Vietnam War?

The US involvement in Cambodia, particularly the operation to wipe out Communist bases, led to North Vietnamese forces strengthening their ties with the Cambodian communists, the Khmer Rouge, which had long-term devastating consequences for Cambodia. It also reignited anti-war protests in the US, leading to further divisions and opposition to the war.

What was the impact of the 'Easter Offensive' launched by North Vietnam in 1972?

The 'Easter Offensive' was a major attack by North Vietnam into the South, using newly acquired Soviet and Chinese artillery and tanks. Although it faced resistance and was eventually halted by US airpower, it did secure some gains for the North and put pressure on the US to expedite negotiations for peace.

What were the key points of the final Paris Peace Accords signed in January 1973?

The Paris Peace Accords stipulated that North Vietnam could maintain its forces in the South, and the US agreed to withdraw all its troops within 60 days. The Accords also recognized the political legitimacy of the Provisional Revolutionary Government, the political wing of the Viet Cong.

How did the US public opinion shift towards the Vietnam War during Nixon's presidency?

Public opinion in the US shifted significantly against the war during Nixon's presidency, with a majority of Americans believing the war was morally wrong and favoring withdrawal even if it led to a South Vietnamese collapse. This shift was influenced by events such as the My Lai Massacre and the leak of the Pentagon Papers.