History - Vietnam (America’s Failure)

• What did Nixon promise when he was elected president in 1968?


  To end the war as soon as possible
• What was the main conflict between the USA and North Vietnam regarding Vietnam's future?

  USA wanted an independent South, North wanted unity
• What countries did Nixon hold secret talks with to end the Cold War?

  China and the USSR
• Why did North Vietnam agree to hold peace talks in 1970?

  They feared losing aid from China and USSR
• What was the USA considering if they couldn't negotiate a separate state for South Vietnam?

  Abandoning South Vietnam
• What strategies did Nixon use to pressure North Vietnam between 1970 and 1972?

  Secret negotiations, Vietnamisation, and bombing
• What was the main concern for North Vietnam during the negotiations?

  Loss of support from China and the USSR
• What event in 1972 surprised the USA regarding North Vietnam's capabilities?

  The Easter Offensive
• What happened on 8th October 1972 between the USA and North Vietnam?

  They made an agreement at Paris
• Why did the peace agreement process stop in 1972?

  President Thieu of South Vietnam refused to sign
• What significant event occurred in 1973 regarding Vietnam?

  A ceasefire was declared
• What was the impact of the peace agreement on the USA's image?

  It grew negatively among Congress and the public
• What did the USA's military involvement in Vietnam lead to in 1974?

  Increased opposition from Congress
• What were the key events in the negotiations from 1970 to 1973?

  • Nixon's secret talks with China and USSR
  • North Vietnam's agreement to peace talks
  • Continued pressure through negotiations and military actions
  • Paris agreement on 8th October 1972
  • Thieu's refusal to sign the agreement
  • Ceasefire declared in 1973
• How did Nixon's strategies impact the negotiations with North Vietnam?

  • Maintained pressure through military actions
  • Used secret and official negotiations
  • Aimed for Vietnamisation to reduce US involvement
• What were the implications of the Easter Offensive in 1972 for the USA?


  • Showed North Vietnam's military strength
  • Surprised the USA with their capabilities
  • Highlighted the risks of US withdrawal
• What year were the Paris Peace Accords signed?

  1973
• What did the Paris Peace Accords state about Vietnam?

  Vietnam was to be a single country
• What was to happen to US military presence in Vietnam according to the Accords?

  All US military would be withdrawn
• What would happen to US aid to the ARVN after the Accords?

  US aid to the ARVN would stop
• What type of government was to be elected in Vietnam after the Accords?

  A new government without foreign interference
• What was the significance of the Paris Peace Accords for America?

  • Allowed the USA to leave the war
  • Congress cut funding and aid to South Vietnam
• What action did North Vietnam take in 1974?


  North Vietnam attacked the South
• When did Saigon fall to the communists?

  April 1975
• How much did the Vietnam War cost the US?

  $167 billion
• How did the US government fund the Vietnam War?

  • Took money from other domestic issues
  • Led to reduced funding for issues like black ghettos
• What was the public's reaction to the government after the war?

  Americans lost trust in their government
• How many US soldiers were killed in the Vietnam War?

  58,220
• How many US soldiers were wounded during the Vietnam War?

  303,704
• How many veterans were left with psychological problems after the war?

  About 850,000
• What challenges did returning Vietnam veterans face?

  • Struggled to readjust to normal life
  • Experienced hostility and few welcome parades
  • Little understanding of post-traumatic shock
  • High suicide rate among veterans
• What was the suicide rate among Vietnam veterans compared to the average?

  Almost twice the average