Assessment of President Richard Nixon’s Plan During The Vietnam Battle

Introduction

Richard Nixon’s primary strategy in Vietnam was a method deemed “Vietnamization,” which involved American forces training and specializing the South Vietnamese army. In doing so, American forces would not have to participate in a combative role, thus addressing the issue of American troops dying for a cause that people back home in the United States did not support. This approach also aimed at a gradual withdrawal of troops from South Vietnam, finally allowing those troops to go home, which is what the American public had been asking and protesting for throughout the Vietnam War. However, despite this stance, Nixon was dedicated to the cause of helping South Vietnam become independent and democratic. This was indicated when he stated, “The defense of freedom is everybody’s business, not just America’s business. And it is particularly the responsibility of the people whose freedom is threatened” (Nixon, 1969). Nixon’s approach did achieve one beneficial outcome in terms of American interests. His Vietnamization goals led to the withdrawal of American troops. His approach was effective in that “Nixon gradually reduced the number of U.S. troops in Vietnam in several stages, from a peak of 549,000 in 1969 to 69,000 in 1972” (History.com, n.d.). Based on this perspective and objective alone, Nixon’s Vietnamization approach was successful, as troops were no longer stationed in Vietnam, and they could return home.

Analysis of Vietnamization

On the other hand, it can be argued that Nixon’s strategy ultimately led to the downfall of South Vietnam. The gradual withdrawal of Americans from South Vietnam presented significant military opportunities for the Northern forces. His goal to strengthen the South Vietnamese army, allowing them to be independent and capable of defending themselves, was ultimately a failure. This is evidenced by the fall of the South Vietnamese forces to the Communists in 1975. Despite the withdrawal of American forces from Vietnam, which satisfied the American public, the main premises of Vietnamization were not fulfilled. These premises included building a robust South Vietnamese force capable of self-defense against the North Vietnamese forces. The North's victory clearly demonstrated that this was not the case, making Nixon’s Vietnamization a failure for the South Vietnamese.

Conclusion

In conclusion, President Richard Nixon’s Vietnamization strategy had both positive and negative aspects. While it succeeded in withdrawing American troops and addressing domestic dissatisfaction with the Vietnam War, it failed to ensure the independence and self-sufficiency of South Vietnam. The fall of Saigon in 1975 underscores the shortcomings of this approach, highlighting the complexities of achieving both military and political objectives in the context of the Vietnam War. Nixon’s intentions may have been to empower South Vietnam, but the execution and outcomes reveal a different narrative.

References

• History.com Editors. (n.d.). Vietnamization. History. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/vietnamization
• Nixon, R. (1969). Address to the Nation on the War in Vietnam. Retrieved from https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/address-the-nation-the-war-vietnam