LE4-C5S7T5L4pg Post Vietnam and the 80's

Purpose This lesson identifies some of the activities that engaged the Marines between 1975 and 1990.

1. Identify the dates, geography, and events related to actions taken in Cambodia, Lebanon, Grenada, and Panama in the post Vietnam period 2. Explain the impact of Communism on foreign policy decisions 3. Recognize the change in strategy employed against American troops in the modern era

CPS Lesson Questions (1-2)

How ready are you to learn today? A.Not very ready… my mind is distracted by other things. B.A little slow to get going… but starting to wake up. C.Good to go… bring on the lesson. D.I am focused, alert, energized, and ready to learn!

Who said the following quote? “Grenada, we were told, was a friendly island paradise for tourism. Well, it wasn’t. It was a Soviet-Cuban colony being readied as a major military bastion to export terror and undermine democracy. We got there just in time.” A.Ronald Reagan B.Fidel Castro C.John F. Kennedy D.Khmer Rouge

List 2-3 things you already know about any of the following countries: Cambodia, Lebanon, Grenada, or Panama. (Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question) Locate them on map

 The North Vietnamese used Cambodia to get supplies to the south during the war.  Khmer Rouge – Communist forces that took over Cambodia and ruled from 1975 to  Operation Eagle Pull – Evacuation of American Citizens (NEO) from Phnom Penh April 1975  U.S. attacked the Koh Tang island in 1975 after a Cambodian gunboat seized the Mayaguez.

Problems in the USMC in 1970s  Combat veterans returned from Vietnam and were treated poorly by public  Funding for military drastically cut resulting in a hollow force  Morale problems, drugs, race issues all created a bad environment for most Marine units  Leaders countered by training heavily

 1958 – Marines called to Beirut to protect American interests because of internal strife.  August, 1982 – A MNF (Multinational Force) removed the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization) from Beirut.

Lebanon  1983 – Returned to protect Muslims and get the Israeli and Syrian armies to leave.  Conflicting parties both blamed US for taking sides  October 23, 1983 – a five-ton open bed truck deliberately crashed into a building where servicemen were sleeping killing 241 Americans.  February, 1984 – Lebanese president sided with Syrians, Iranians, and Soviets; U.S. pulled out of Lebanon.

CPS Lesson Question (3)

Where is Lebanon located? A.Southeast Asia B.Central America C.Europe D.Middle East

The Prime Minister’s assassination raised these concerns:  American students would be taken hostage.  Cuba would impose Communism.  Cuba would set up an air base for the Soviet Union.  Oil routes between U.S. and Venezuela were threatened. Grenada: Operation Urgent Fury

 October 23, 1983 – U.S. forces landed to restore democracy and evacuate American medical students.  Forces met more opposition that expected but were successful; uncovered Soviet- made military supplies. Grenada: Operation Urgent Fury

 General Manuel Noriega was involved with illegal drugs and was indicted by U.S. courts in  Attempts to remove him from power failed.  When he lost the election he annulled the results.  December 19, 1989 – U.S. troops captured Noriega.  He was tried, found guilty, and imprisoned. Panama: Operation Just Cause

CPS Lesson Question (4)

Why is Panama important to the U.S.? A.They are the only Democracy in the region. B.Many U.S. tourists vacation there. C.The Panama Canal is located there. D.U.S. supported General Manuel Noriega.

List 2-3 changes in strategy used against American troops in the 1970s and 80s. (Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question)

Images in this lesson were taken from:  Microsoft © Clip Art Gallery