Nixon Era Vietnam & Watergate

Vietnamization

The gradual withdrawal of 540,000 U.S. troops while providing South Vietnam with money, weapons, and training to take over the war effort. Nixon didn't seek to end the war immediately but to win it without American troops fighting directly.

Nixon Doctrine

The U.S. would honor current defense commitments, but future conflicts must be fought by allied nations themselves.

Stagflation

A combination of stagnant economic growth and inflation that caused a major economic crisis.

My Lai Massacre

American troops massacred Vietnamese civilians (women & children) in My Lai village. When revealed, it deepened domestic opposition to the war.

Invasion of Cambodia

North Vietnamese & Viet Cong were using Cambodia as a supply route & base. Nixon ordered the invasion without Congressional approval.

Kent State protests

National Guard troops killed 4 students and wounded many more, leading to nationwide protests and riots.

Pentagon Papers

A top-secret Pentagon study about U.S. deception in Vietnam under Kennedy & Johnson. Daniel Ellsberg leaked them to The New York Times in June 1971.

Sino-Soviet split

Nixon used the ideological division between China and the USSR to ease Cold War tensions, visiting China in 1972 and using improved U.S.-China relations to pressure the Soviets.

Détente

A relaxation of Cold War tensions, exemplified by Nixon's visits to China and the USSR in 1972 and the signing of the SALT I arms control agreement.

Arab Oil Embargo

It caused severe fuel shortages, gasoline rationing, long lines at gas stations, and contributed to economic recession and inflation ('stagflation').

Watergate complex incident

Five burglars were arrested breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters with bugging devices. They were tied to Nixon's Committee to Re-Elect the President (CREEP).

CREEP activities

Espionage & sabotage against Democratic candidates, 'dirty tricks' including faked documents & smear campaigns, and raising millions through secret & unethical means.

White House Plumbers

A secret group created to stop government leaks.

Saturday Night Massacre

Nixon ordered Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox fired for subpoenaing the Watergate tapes, leading to the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General resigning in protest.

Major revelation in July 1973

A former aide revealed Nixon had installed recording equipment in the White House. These tapes became central evidence in determining Nixon's knowledge of Watergate.

January 1973 Vietnam ceasefire agreement

U.S. withdrew remaining troops; North Vietnam retained 145,000 troops in South Vietnam; South Vietnam could receive U.S. aid but no military reinforcements; future elections were promised.

Fall of Saigon

North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon. U.S. forces and thousands of South Vietnamese allies evacuated by helicopter as the South Vietnamese government collapsed.

War Powers Act (1973)

Legislation requiring the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and withdraw them within 60 days unless Congress approves. It was passed to prevent 'imperial presidency' and unchecked military actions.

Long-term impact of the Vietnam War on U.S. foreign policy

It created the 'Vietnam Syndrome' (reluctance to engage in foreign wars), increased public distrust of government, and shifted U.S. policy toward more cautious foreign involvement.

Costs of the Vietnam War for the United States

$118 billion spent, 56,000 Americans dead, 300,000 wounded, and significant damage to U.S. credibility, self-confidence, and economic strength.

Title IX (1972)

Legislation prohibiting sex discrimination in federally funded education programs. It greatly expanded opportunities for women in athletics and education.

Environmental legislation signed by Nixon

The Clean Air Act (1970) and the Endangered Species Act (1973). His administration also created the EPA and OSHA to enforce environmental and workplace safety regulations.

Nixon's Southern Strategy

A political approach to secure Southern white voters by opposing school busing and minimizing civil rights enforcement, which shifted Southern Democrats to Republican support in the long term.

Significance of Nixon's 1972 reelection

Nixon won in a landslide (520 Electoral Votes vs. McGovern's 17), helped by Kissinger's 'peace is at hand' statement shortly before the election.

Impact of the secret bombing of Cambodia (1969-1973)

It devastated Cambodia's population and economy and enabled the rise of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, who later killed up to 2 million Cambodians.