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Explain why US involvement in the Vietnam War changed under President Nixon - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 2
Explain why US involvement in the Vietnam War changed under President Nixon. You may use the following in your answer: - Vietnamisation - bombing of North Vietnam ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain why US involvement in the Vietnam War changed under President Nixon - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why US involvement in the Vietnam War changed under President Nixon: Vietnamisation
Answer
Under President Nixon, the Vietnamisation policy was introduced to reduce American military presence in Vietnam. The strategy aimed to transfer the combat responsibilities to the South Vietnamese forces, allowing the US to gradually withdraw troops. This shift in strategy emerged due to growing public discontent and anti-war protests in the United States, which pressured the government to seek a less direct form of involvement.
Step 2
Explain why US involvement in the Vietnam War changed under President Nixon: bombing of North Vietnam
Answer
Alongside Vietnamisation, Nixon authorized extensive bombing campaigns in North Vietnam, intending to weaken the enemy's infrastructure and morale. These bombings were part of a broader strategy that sought to compel North Vietnam to negotiate peace on favorable terms for the US. Despite this aggressive military approach, the objective was to alleviate American involvement while still exerting pressure on the North Vietnamese.
Step 3
Explain why US involvement in the Vietnam War changed under President Nixon: additional information
Answer
Nixon's administration also initiated the secret bombing of Cambodia, which aimed to disrupt the supply routes of the North Vietnamese and minimize their capabilities. This action, however, was controversial and led to further anti-war protests back in the US. Additionally, the aim was to facilitate a durable peace settlement that would stabilize the region without a large American footprint. Ultimately, the changes in US strategy under Nixon reflected a response to domestic pressures and the realization of the challenges involved in continued military engagement in Vietnam.