1. Agent Orange 2. Camp David Accords 3. Détente 4. Domino

AMERICAN II - UNIT 7 – Notes Moving Toward Conflict France Controlled Vietnam since late 1800’s, but the peasants disliked foreign rule, followed Ho Chi Minh, the communist leader of Vietnam throughout the Vietnam War, who was exiled to China Japan forced out France in WWII, but faced problems with peasants with return of Ho Chi Minh who started Vietminh (Vietnamese word to describe their dislike of foreign rule, and desire to rule themselves) After Japanese defeat in WWII, France wanted to take back over Vietnam Vietnamese fought back with Ho Chi Minh 1. What was Vietminh and why did the Vietnamese want it?

Moving Toward Conflict (cont) US afraid of Domino Theory - This is an American belief that if one country falls to communism the surrounding countries to fall to communism as well soon afterwards The French were beaten and surrendered in northwest Vietnam in 1954 Geneva Accords – This agreement between America and Vietnam temporary divided Vietnam along 17th parallel in 1954. N. Vietnam being communist with elections in 1956 to decide leader of N and S Vietnam 2. Why was America so confident that the Geneva Accords would peacefully solve the Vietnam issue? Why did it not end up solving the situation?

Moving Toward Conflict (cont) Ho Chi Minh had great popularity in the North b/c he divided up land between the peasants Ngo Dinh Diem, S. Vietnam’s democratic leader, was very corrupt and lost so much popularity, refused to run in 1956 election. By 1957 Ho Chi Minh started attacking S. Vietnam with Vietcong (Citizens of South Vietnam who would support and fight for the North Vietnamese) using the Ho Chi Minh Trail (A Trail that went through Laos and Cambodia along the Board of Vietnam that the North Vietnamese would use to supply or attack South Vietnam.) 3. What is the difference between the Vietcong and the North Vietnamese Army?

Moving Toward Conflict (cont) By 1963, the US had put 16,000 US troops in S. Vietnam to keep them from falling to communism Ngo Dinh Diem was Catholic, and country was Buddhist, he tried stop Buddhism, and monks set themselves on fire to protest The US needed to “replace” Diem b/c he lost support of the people, so the US allowed him to be assassinated 4. What was Ngo Dien Diem doing that made America unhappy with him?

Moving Toward Conflict (cont) Now S. Vietnam needed a leader, and none could be found, this made S. Vietnam weaker United States wanted to get involved, and knew an “attack” would be the only way in which the people would buy a war USS Maddox was supposedly attacked by N. Vietnamese President Johnson helped pass the Tonkin Gulf Resolution – This act of congress allowed the President complete control to “defend” South Vietnam by any means necessary and congress couldn’t over ride him. 5. What supposedly happened in the Gulf of Tonkin that made America want to get more involved?

US Involvement and Escalation Lyndon B. Johnson is president, and by 1965, 50,000 US troops are in Vietnam Johnson listened to pro-war advisors left over from JFK that encourage escalation 61% of Americans in 1965 support the war 6. Why do you think so many people supported the war at first?

US Involvement and Escalation (Cont.) The American Commander in Vietnam: General William Westmoreland He said that the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), S. Vietnam Army, was horrible, and the US should do all the work Most fighting done in the Jungles in Vietnam Vietcong used guerilla tactics, and hid in tunnels underground between attacks, also blended in with the ordinary people 7. What kind of tactics did the Vietcong and North Vietnamese Army use that was difficult for America to fight against?

US Involvement and Escalation (Cont.) US wanted to win the “hearts and minds” of the S. Vietnamese people, to help find the Vietcong Napalm (fire bombs dropped from planes during Vietnam) and agent orange (jungle killer used by American military during Vietnam. Caused many sicknesses and diseases) hurt he S. Vietnamese and made them sick. Didn’t like the US. Search and Destroy Missions – Marines would attack villages thought of harboring Vietcong 8. What were some of the negative consequences of using Napalm and Agent Orange in Vietnam?

US Involvement and Escalation (Cont.) Soldier moral dropped S. Vietnamese corrupting increased Monks and Nuns started burning themselves again POW’s served for years when captured and tortured Less money in US for “Great Society” War was on TV. Lost much support Soldier Moral Dropped Video 9. Why did so many Americans turn against the War in Vietnam when they saw live footage on television? A Nation Divided By the late 60’s, so many men were needed in Vietnam, the Draft was put back into place Many people tried to avoid the draft, the easiest way was college deferment. However, most college students were rich white males. This made a disproportionate amount of African Americans serve in the military 10,000 women also served in Vietnam The United States was split down the middle on the war. Doves – This was a term for people who were against the Vietnam war Hawks – This was a term for people who supported the Vietnam war 10. What caused a disproportionate amount of African Americans serve in the Vietnam war?

1968 Johnson decides its best not to run for President again in 1968. Great Society Suffers. Robert Kennedy assassinated, and Hubert Humphrey was democratic nominee. Humphrey lost to Nixon who promised to get the US out of Vietnam. (Nixon wanted Vietnamization, or a gradual withdrawal from Vietnam so the North Vietnamese wouldn’t be able to take South Vietnam) George Wallace was third party candidate (segregation) 11. Explain the concept behind Vietnamization.

Public Opinion turns against the War in Vietnam The War was on Television, and many people saw the brutality of actual war. 1968 – Tet Offensive – On a Vietnamese Holiday, the North Vietnamese almost took over all of South Vietnam in a single day with a surprise attack. This made America realize that North Vietnam isn’t going to back down. 1968 – My Lai Massacre – Marines went into a small town thought to be helping the rebels, and executed many innocent civilians. It was covered up initially. 1970 – Kent State Shootings – Massive Protests against the war on the campus of Kent State. The National Guard opened fire on unarmed students killing 4. 1971 – The Pentagon Papers – documents were released that showed Lyndon Johnson had planned to attack North Vietnam prior to the Tonkin Gulf incident, making the public question whether we should have ever gone to war to begin with. The news Media turned against the war, as well as Walter Cronkite, and LBJ knew that he had officially lost public support 12. What were some of the reasons that America turned against the war between 1968-1971?

Protest against Vietnam by America’s Youth Much opposition began to spring up from college students for many reasons They would be drafted if not in college They are in the US and can protest Can get drafted at 18, can’t vote until 21 Thought it was against basic human rights Thought the country was being run by faceless corporations Many Burned Draft cards Protest to Vietnam 13. Why were college-aged kids the most vocal opponents against the war?

The End of the War and It’s Legacy Richard Nixon is President, and appoints security advisor Henry Kissinger to complete Vietnamization Wanted to pull out of Vietnam, and not have the Vietcong go on offensive to S. Vietnam, so Nixon bombed N. Vietnam hard to scare them. Along with Laos and Cambodia Nixon pulled out troops, and N. Vietnam quickly took over S. Vietnam Soldiers were not welcomed on their return, many had life-long ailments. 14. Was Vietnamization effective? Explain your answer.

Equality for Latinos Latino population tripled from 3 million to 9 million in the 1960’s Latinos rallied behind Cesar Chavez who organized the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee Wanted to unionize in farming industry in heavily Latino populated California La Raza Unida (Mexican Americans United) fought for more rights 15. What were some of the issues that Latinos were facing the in the 1960’s?

Equality for American Indians Native Americans have historically had higher alcoholism and unemployment rates than any other American group Organized the American Indian Movement (AIM) Wanted to have the Bureau of Indian Affairs (founded under FDR ADM.) abolished b/c of corruption Became somewhat militant, and was able to get much land back and monetary compensation for lands, property, and rights lost. 16. What were some of the issues Native Americans dealt with at this time?

Equality for Women Betty Friedan – The Feminine Mystique – said that many women were unhappy just being a house wife Feminism – belief that women should be equal with men in all aspects of society 1966 – Friedan organized the National Organization for Women (NOW) which called for equality for all women 17. What was feminism and who was someone who was a strong supporter of the feminist movement?

Equality for Women (continued) Gloria Steinem – began the magazine “Ms.” Roe V. Wade – said it is legal for a woman to have an abortion within the first three months Many women wanted the Equal Rights Act (ERA) passed which would treat women like men in all areas of the law. Phyllis Schlafly lead the movement against this, said it would lead to things such as the drafting of women, and abolition of laws that protect housewives 18. Why were some women against women’s rights?

HIPPIES Youth counter-culture who rejected American ideals Hippie Capital in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco Beetles – rock music that was the soundtrack for hippies – Woodstock (1969) Short lived 19. What was the motivation for many of the stereotypes associated with the counter-culture movement?

NIXON Elected President in 1968 – Republican, promised to get us out of Vietnam Not a pleasant person. No “People Skills” Did not listen to his cabinet, just a few “yes Men” in the White House 20. Who was Henry Kissinger and why was he important while Nixon was in office?

Oil Crisis People were using more and more Oil. Gas was cheap because the government forced prices low. Oil Companies felt they couldn’t make money. So less Oil was drilled in the U.S. most all was coming in from Middle East from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) – This is the Middle Eastern group from which America buys the majority of their oil. 21. What is OPEC and why do they have so much power in the United States?

Oil Crisis (Continued) Egypt/Syria got into a war with the hated Israel (they are Jewish in an Arab area). We sided with Israel. We sided with Israel OPEC was angry at us, and quadrupled their prices and cut their supply to us drastically. Prices skyrocketed and many places did not have gas to sell 22. How did the war in Egypt and Syria cause a massive shortage of Gas in the United States?

Nixon and Domestic Policy To help the recession, Nixon cut money from many programs from Johnson’s “Great Society”. Hurt many poor Americans and hurt African Americas. Nixon was not liked. To gain support in the south, he tried to stop school integration and bussing. Did not work and made him even more disliked by the Black Community 23. What was Nixon’s reasoning for trying to stop the integration of schools?

Nixon’s FOREIGN policies Nixon wanted to ease tensions Henry Kissinger, his right hand man, was his main advisor… very similar men Idea of realpolitik - “Practical Politics” Concept practiced by Nixon in which he acknowledged that America must work with countries we don’t like because it would be more difficult to ignore them. Wanted Détente – (This was Nixon’s term to describe his desire for a world-wide relaxation of Tensions) between China and Russia 24. How was Nixon’s foreign policy different than many of the previous presidents before him? NIXON and CHINA China still not recognized by the United States (because Mao Zedong is Communist) Nixon began it recognize China and being friendly with them Had the United Nations take the seat from Taiwan and give it to China Nixon went to China in 1972 and met Mao Zedong and help relations between the countries 25. What was the significance of Nixon meeting with Mao Zedong?

NIXON and RUSSIA Nixon went to Russia after China. Met with Brezhnev, the leader of Russia after Krushev, and talked about limiting nuclear weapons Agreed on the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I) - This was the first major weapons treaty with Russia in which it limited the amount of nuclear missiles a country could have However, Russia and U.S. made better non-nuclear weapons instead, and put multiple warheads on a single missile. 26. What was accomplished when Nixon visited Russia? Why is this important?

Nixon’s Administration Nixon was paranoid, thought people were after him He installed wiretaps in the Whitehouse. If it was said in the White House, it was on tape. Nixon found out someone was leaking information to the New York Times, so he had a group of guys go to that guy’s psychiatrist’s office, break him and try to find out embarrassing stuff about his personal life to punish him. These men were called the “PLUMBERS” 27. Why did Nixon have the Whitehouse covered in microphones?

WATERGATE In 1972, Nixon wanted to win BIG so he would have a strong Mandate – overwhelming public support Used all kinds of dirty tricks to hurt anyone running against him Nixon had the “Plumbers” wiretap the democratic headquarters in a Hotel called Watergate. They were arrested. Nixon used all his power to cover up the incident. 28. Why did Nixon have his men break into the Watergate hotel?

WATERGATE (cont.) Nixon wins huge in 1972 Then Woodward and Bernstein, These are the two reporters from the Washington Post uncovered the cover-up behind Watergate Nixon is investigated by the senate. They asked for the tapes from the white house Nixon began firing all who asked for the tapes. He finally was forced to hand over the tapes. He did, but they were edited. Watergate Cover-up Video 29. What made Woodward and Bernstein famous? What did they uncover?

WATERGATE (cont.) Nixon was ordered to hand over the original tapes. Nixon said that the President was above the law The senate said no he wasn’t and decided to discuss whether to impeach Nixon or not Nixon, know he was in big trouble, Quit The new President was Gerald R. Ford, who wasn’t even Nixon’s original Vice President Watergate – Scandal involving Richard Nixon where he tried to spy on the democrats, then covered it up. He ended up resigning instead of being impeached 30. Why did Nixon resign?

President Gerald R. Ford Very Popular, ex-all star football player and WWII veteran. People liked him First thing he did in office was pardon (this is a term used when the President allows someone to be forgiven for a crime)Nixon People hated him Booed at all speeches Only President never to win a presidential election 31. Why did Gerald Ford pardon Nixon? What was the public reaction to his decision?

President Jimmy Cater Ford Ran for re-election in 1976, but lost to Jimmy Carter because people were not happy with the economy. The economy worsened under Carter 32. Why was Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer, able to win the presidency in 1976?

Iran Hostage Crisis -Iran was having political problems -a group led by Ayatollah Khomeini tried to overthrow the Shah (elected leader) of Iran. -Carter supported the Shah, and allowed him to come to American for Cancer treatment. -Ayatollah took American students visiting Iran hostage in return for the US giving over the Shah who was in the US. -Carter refused. -Hostages were released 14 months later alive. Iran stopped giving us oil during that time as well. Iran Hostage Crisis – Situation that occurred during Jimmy Carter’s administration where the Ayatollah took American diplomats hostage in exchange for their old leader. 33. What was the Iranian Hostage crisis? How did it end?

Carter and Russia Jimmy Carter continued talks with Russia Came up with SALT II - This was the second major arms treaty with Russia which limited the amount of nuclear warheads a country could have. 34. How as SALT II different than SALT I?

Carter’s Policies Camp David Accords – Successful peace treaty between Egypt and Israel orchestrated by Jimmy Carter at the President’s vacation home. They sign peace agreement Oil Prices going up. Carter tried to lead Americans away from oil dependency and lost much support Recession still taking place. People not happy with Carter Camp David Accords Video 35. Why were the Camp David Accords viewed almost as “too good to be true” while Carter was president?