Richard Nixon
- Elected 37th President in 1968
- Promised to end Vietnam war
- Pulled troops but increased bombing campaign implemented Vietnamization
- Began a policy of Detente to lessen Cold being
- Resigned after being implemented in Watergate scandal, 1972
- Reasons why U.S. sought detente:
- Nuclear and Strategic Parity- The Russians had caught the US in most military areas (caused them to want to think of other options)
- Early Success:
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (limit the spread of nuclear weapons) signed by Johnson in 1968 (France and China do not sign it)
- Many, like Henry Kissinger, felt detente was just a form of containment
- German for ‘east politics’
- Western German leader, Willy Brandt wished to unite the Germanys
- Wanted improved relations between the two
- 1972 a Basic Treaty was signed with East Germany
- Accused of selling out to the communist East Germany, others see it as another détente move
Summary
Richard Nixon won the 37th election in 1968 and he promised to end the Vietnam War. He implemented Vietnamization and began the policy of detente to cool down the Cold War tensions. Nixon tried to cover up the Watergate scandal, he resigned before he could be impeached. Gerald Ford takes power after Nixon resigned, he was chosen. Nixon is remembered as tricky dicky, he was a liar and tried to cover things up. Although he was propped for ending the Vietnam War.
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Questions?
What would have happened if Nixon had followed through with the peace he had promised?
Quotes
The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire. -Richard Nixon