how was Nixon's policy in Vietnam characterised by ruthless attention to immediate poltical advantage?

Question

This is a long shot, but any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I have this A-level history essay in for tomorrow and haven't a clue where to start. Thanks

Answer 1

1) Lets go with the whole "Vietnamization" policy of reducing American soldiers a gradual draw down while turning over more control to the South Vietnamese. Last American troops withdraw March 29, 1973.

2) He also had what was called "Peace with Honor" basically saying yes he wanted America to withdraw , but played off on the whole America can't be disgraced by just quiting. Worked because he won 1972 election and it took until after 1973 for any series meaning full Congressional opposition to mount. Finally Congress pulled the funding 1973 and stops Nixon from bombing Cambodia August 14.

Of course by then nobody really cares , because the draft was abolished Jan 1973- American forces pulled out. Nixon always wanted to show how reasonable he was trying to be often went to the middle class to support his views. He also called on people in working class jobs to support him , because he was "just one of them".

First 2 wher domestic- Here is the international.

1) Sends Kissinger for peace talks in Paris as early as in August 1969 so this way he looks like he really wants peace. In the meantime shows North Vietnam this can't go on for ever. December 18,1972 he orders B-52 bombers to bomb around Hanoi and Haiphong (he also orders the mining of the harbor). So this way he look like he's negotiating not from weakness, but strength. Jan 8 talks resume and January 27 1973 Cease-fire agreements finally signed in Paris.

2) Nixon visits China and then Moscow was playing off of the SINO-SOVIET split divide and conquer. Hoping this would force the North Vietnames to negociate.

Answer 2

Nixon was one of the most patriotic presidents, as well as one of the sickest presidents. In a lot of ways he was a bully president. He had an adgenda that he personally thought was the best for the US.He knew that he didn't always have the popular support so he would begin a two sided attack. The first side was to do what he thought was the best for the US. The second was what he thought the US wanted to support his first side. You can almost say that his whole administration was bi-polar.

Answer 3

just take a page from today. how nixon viewed himself on the hill and the american polls swayed his actions overseas. democrats want you to cave in? Bomb Cambodia!