The War EndsThe War Ends
Chapter 24 Section 4
Nixon’s Re-electionNixon’s Re-election
26 Amendment-lowered the voting age from 21 to 18
Gave those that fought in Vietnam the right to vote Nixon defeated George McGovern in a landslide
Cease-fireCease-fire Henry Kissinger meets with Le Duc Tho (NV) to
negotiate an end to the warCease-firePullout of foreign troopsEnd of US aidNew government in SV
SV’s president rejects the agreement and the US supports him
Cease-fireCease-fire NV demands reinstatement of the agreement President Nixon bombs Hanoi and Haiphong for
2 weeks Nixon ends the bombing and talks resume The parties make minor changes and declare a
cease-fireBoth sides declare victoryUS secretly agrees to come the SV aid if fighting resumes
Cease-fireCease-fire SV military government collapses
NV troops storm SV SV surrenders unconditionally Domino theory doesn’t materialize
Communism wasn’t a unified world force
Effects of the WarEffects of the War
500,000 SV civilian deaths 800,000 orphaned 1.5 million refugees fled Vietnam 730,000 fled to the US
Economic Hardships Destroyed landscape
Vietnam VeteransVietnam Veterans
2 million US soldiers58,000 dead300,000 wounded2,500 MIA
Many lives were saved due to improved medical care
Many paralyzed/severely disabled were able to live
Vietnam VeteransVietnam Veterans
Soldiers faced hostilities of Am. publicNo paradesPeople were angry
Veterans were hurt by the public’s negative reaction
They obeyed ordersThought it was in the country’s best interest
Vietnam VeteransVietnam Veterans
Many turned to drugs, couldn't find jobs or were homeless
Many got cancer from the defoliants (Agent Orange)Children had birth defects
Public PolicyPublic Policy
War shook Am confidence in govtMislead during warQuestioned how presidents could wage an undeclared war
– Passed the War Powers ActReaffirmed congress’s right to declare warSet a 60 day limit on presidential commitment
of US troops to foreign conflicts
Economic EffectsEconomic Effects
Cost $150 billion Contributed to national debt Fueled inflation Diverted fund from domestic programs
Healing the Wounds of the WarHealing the Wounds of the War
Vietnam Veterans MemorialDesigned by Maya LinNames listed chronologically