EQ: What lessons can be learned from U.S. actions during the Vietnam War?

1968 election LBJ chose not to run – credibility gap Dem. Hubert Humphrey Am. Indep. George Wallace Rep. Nixon won – “Peace with honor”

How to end the war? Nixon’s Silent Majority Speech – Nov John Kerry’s testimony to Senate – July 1971 Read each document and answer Qs: – How does each want to end the war? – Which do you agree with most? Why?

Nixon’s secret war Operation Menu – bombings of Cambodia and Laos

Nixon ends U.S. involvement in war Vietnamization Continued operations – 1970 Cambodian invasion – 1972 bombings of North Vietnam Jan. 27, 1973 Paris Peace Accords – Cease-fire – US troop withdrawal – Did NOT end war

1975 North Vietnam defeats South Vietnam Fall of Saigon April 30, 1975 US abandons embassy

Aftermath – Vietnam United under communist govt

Impact on Vietnamese people 2 mil. + civilian deaths Effects of Agent Orange (dioxin)

Aftermath – Cambodia Communist Khmer Rouge gained support due to Prince Sihanouk’s relationship with US and South Vietnam 1970 coup Khmer Rouge took power ( ) – genocide

Aftermath – U.S. Poor treatment of veterans 26 th amendment – vote at 18 (1971) Distrust of govt – Pentagon Papers leaked by Daniel Ellsberg (1971) 1973 War Powers Act

EQ: What lessons can be learned from U.S. actions during the Vietnam War? Discuss in groups! Write down responses! How can we apply these lessons to present-day situations?