The Conclusion of the Vietnam War
When the Tet Offensive happened, it sent shockwaves throughout the US. Because of all of the pressure from the public ignited by the press, Johnson declared in his speech on March 31 that the U.S. was ready for peace talks.
"Peace talks began in 1968 but dragged on for years. U.S. causalities continued to rise. President Richard Nixon, elected in 1968 and again in 1972 launched a policy of gradually reducing the number of troops in Vietnam [called “Vietnamization”]. Troop levels started to fall in 1969. In 1973, the United States, South Vietnam, North Vietnam and the National Liberation Front signed a peace treaty. All parties agreed to stop fighting and return prisoners of war they held. . . The last U.S. combat troops left in March. |
In the end, the South surrendered unconditionally on April 30, 1976. Both countries were then united as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The 30-year struggle was finally over.
"In the final analysis, it is their war. They are the ones who have to win it or lose it. We can help them, we can give them equipment, we can send our men there as advisers, but they have to win it, the people of Vietnam." |
"Press and television have created an aura not of victory but of defeat, which, coupled with the vocal antiwar elements, profoundly influenced timid officials in Washington. It was like two boxers in a ring, one having the other on the ropes, close to a knock-out, when the apparent winner's second inexplicably throws in the towel."
~U.S. General William Westmoreland
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