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