Legacy of Vietnam- Cultural Phenomenon It was a cultural phenomenon that called into question American values in the My Lai Massacre, the use of Agent Orange and napalm, “fragging”, the heavy use of drugs among the troops, and the mistreatment of returning veterans. It led to distrust between generations and between the people and their government.

Pentagon Papers A study by Secretary of Defense McNamara revealed that the executive branch had lied to the American people about Vietnam by undertaking secret military operations that were unapproved by Congress The New York Times published the Pentagon Papers after the Supreme Court ordered the Pentagon to turn them over.

War Powers Act 1973- ***War Powers Act of 1973- If the President deploys troops he must notify Congress within 48 hours. If Congress does not approve then troops must be withdrawn within 60 days. Reversed the Power of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This was to prevent another Vietnam

26th Amendment ***26th Amendment- Made 18 the voting age. Many people believed that if you could die for your country you should have a voice in whether or not you are sent.

“ Vietnam Syndrome” The ***“Vietnam Syndrome”, fear of becoming mired in a prolonged unpopular war, affected US foreign policy.

Impact on Southeast Asia Vietnam became a single communist nation

Watergate This was a political scandal involving Richard Nixon. Richard Nixon was forced to resign, the only president to do so. This, along with the Vietnam War caused many Americans to not trust the government.