The Aftermath of the Vietnam War 1974-5

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The End of Nixon's Presidency 1974

Nixon's presidency was collapsingas the illegal methods that he had used to deal with his critics became known (including bugging, bribery and the burglary of the Democratic Party HQ at Watergate)

As Nixon's power crumbled, Congress became much more assertive and blocked funds for any US military activities in Indochina, which meant that the Saigon government could no longer rely on direct US military support if the war re-started: though given public opposition to further involvement, this might have been politically impossible anyway. 

Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment in August 1974

The Fall of South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos 1975

  • Saigon government: theoretically in a strong position: still controlled 75% of the territory and had an army of 1 million, as well as the 4th largest air force in the world
  • However, corruption, lack of work once the US forces had left and rising prices led to escalating discontent within the areas it controlled: its army was run by incompetent officers and its troops had low


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