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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
Vietnamisation
Answer
Under President Nixon, the policy of Vietnamisation was introduced as a means to gradually withdraw US troops from Vietnam while increasing the combat capabilities of South Vietnamese forces. This approach aimed to transfer the responsibility of fighting the war to the South Vietnamese military, thus reducing American military presence in Vietnam. Nixon believed this would allow the US to exit the war without appearing to have lost, while still supporting South Vietnam with funds and military supplies.
Step 2
Bombing of North Vietnam
Answer
Nixon escalated the bombing campaigns in North Vietnam as part of a strategy to pressure the North Vietnamese government into negotiations. The bombing targeted supply routes and military installations to weaken their ability to sustain the war in the South. This aggressive bombing campaign was controversial and aimed at achieving a quick resolution in favor of the US and South Vietnam.
Step 3
Additional Information
Answer
Nixon's administration also faced significant domestic pressure from protests against the Vietnam War. As public opposition grew, Nixon sought to de-escalate US involvement while maintaining a facade of strength. The invasion of Cambodia in 1970 was another crucial moment in this shift, as it aimed to disrupt North Vietnamese supply lines but led to further protests and backlash at home. This combination of factors illustrates how Nixon's policies reflected both military strategy and the need to respond to domestic dissent.