preview

Analyzing Nixon's Death Toll In Vietnam

Decent Essays

As Nixon witnessed the death toll in Vietnam, he began a process known as Vietnamization. When running for president he told the people he had a secret plan to end the war with Vietnam. After taking office in January 1969, the Vietnam War had been in progress for four years, 31,000 Americans had been killed since action, and the training of South Vietnamese was in the process of being scheduled (Breen, T. H.). Over 540,000 Americans were in Vietnam with no plans of reduction and no progress had been made at the negotiations in Paris, as the United States did not have an exact peace proposal. Nixon and his advisors created a strategy known as Vietnamization, which was a plan to slowly withdraw American combat forces and help prepare South Vietnam …show more content…

In 1972, the Strategic Arms Limitation talks occurred where both Nixon and Russian, General Brezhnev made appearances. This talk was an effort to reduce tensions in the Cold War and extend further arm control. Later, Alexei Kosygin, a Soviet Premier, met at Glassaboro State College in New Jersey with Johnson in order to gain “control of the ABM race” (U.S. Department of State) The United States eventually learned that the Soviet Union began an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile buildup, allowing this powerhouse to strike and prevent incoming missiles from the other side. As a result, on November 17, 1969, SALT talks commenced in Helsinki, Finland where they argued rather the nation should continue plans of ABMs. Richard Nixon and Soviet General, Leonid Brezhnev signed the ABM treaty, thus leading to the SALT agreement on May 26, 1972. This treaty established that both sides would limit nuclear missiles in their arsenals, which was an important achievement for Nixon’s plan of détente. Nixon’s success continued as he reestablished relations with the Middle East, therefore obliterated Soviet power in the area during the Cold War. These treaties helped Nixon form better relations around the World, specifically communist countries like present day

Get Access