End of the Vietnam War

Democrats lose big Democrats are in disarray over the Vietnam War LBJ does not seek re-election Martin Luther King Assassinated Bobby Kennedy assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan. Dem nomination is wide open LBJ’s VP, Hubert Humphery, wins Dem nomination amidst rioting in Chicago Richard Nixon becomes 37th Pres of US

Pentagon Papers 7,000 page top secret report issued by the Department of Defense Leaked to the press in 1971 by Daniel Elsberg Nixon said, "people have gotta be put to the torch for this sort of thing..." and "let's get the son-of-a-bitch in jail." Papers show US expanding the war in the 60’s No exit strategy Creates a “credibility gap” between government and people

U.S. Supreme Court Nixon sues NY Times to keep documents sealed NY Times and Co. vs. U.S. U.S. cannot keep Times from publishing articles – Gov did not show that documents affect national security 1st Amendment extended for Newspaper

Dissent in America 05-1970 -- students protest war at Kent St. University, Ohio Governor vowed to “eradicate” protesters. Nice. National Guard is sent in. Chaos leads to confusion. Troops open fire on protesters. Four are killed, nine are wounded.

Final Negotiations Tries “Vietnamization” – US trains S.V. army to fight while we get out “Peace with honor” Yes! January of 1973 US leaves and rebuilds Vietnam Elections are not settled Prisoner exchange Both sides claim victory

End of Vietnam War April, 1975 Saigon (capital of SV) taken over by NVA. Americans leave, SV becomes a part of NV. US loses. War Powers Act – congress can only declare war, must be notified if pres is going to fight, and has 60 day limit if he fights Conversation