April 29-
The United States & South Vietnam Vs. North Vietnam & Viet Cong= Vietnam War.
America Tired of the war.
Escalation: Truman- began U.S. involvement by sending money to French.
Eisenhower- Sent military advisers to assist French
Golf of Tonkin Resolution- Gave Johnson power to wage war in 1964
Tet Offensive- a series of massive attacks on over 100 cities in South Vietnam
Pentagon Papers- Government was misleading the US public in all stages of the war.
April 30-
Napalm- Sticky , highly flameable substance. used for war attacks.
Agent orange- chemical US dropped on Vietnam that destroys all foliage to find hidden soldiers.
Lai Massacre March 1968- US soldiers killed 504 Vietnamese civilians . Women were raped and bodies mutilated.
Kent St. University Protest 1970- Very violent protest that lasted more than a couple days. 5 students were shot and killed. Multiple were injured.
How did people get out of serving?- Went to Canada or other countries. Went to college. Got married. Medically unfit for service. Joined National Guard, Coast Guard, or Peace Corps. Claimed to be homosexual. Got into legal trouble.
May 1-
Nixon and Vietnam- Nixon called for the vietnamization of the war. "Peace with Honor" Gradually pull US troops out of the war and train the ARVN to take our place in fighting the north. Expanded the war into Laos and Cambodia.
On Jan 15, 1973 Nixon announced the suspension of offensive action in North Vietnam. The Paris Peace Accords were later signed on Jan 27 1973 which officially ended US involvement in the Vietnam conflict.
Peace agreement did not last. In March the North invaded the South. Saigon the Souths capital fell on April 30 1975.
War Powers Act- Limits power of President of the US to wage war without the approval of the congress. Requires the President to consult with Congress prior to and during any hostilities as well until US armed forces are no longer needed.
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