Unit 11: End of The Cold War and Contemporary America

Vietnam (http://www.history.com/topics/domino-theory/videos#the-road-to-war)

American involvement will reflect the policy of containment (much like in Korea).

UN split Vietnam into North and South. North-communist, South- democratic

Beginning in the 1950s and into the early 1960s, the communist government of North Vietnam attempted to install through force a communist government in South Vietnam. Ike (President Eisenhower) promised to help

South Vietnam if certain reforms were made (education)▪ U.S. gives monetary/advisory aid

U.S. Involvement in Vietnam The U.S. was so intent on being

involved in Vietnam because Laos (another former French colony) gained it’s independence in 1954 and was leaning towards communism as well. FEAR OF A DOMINO EFFECT!

The U.S. sent both conventional and unconventional forces (Green Beret) to Vietnam.

American military build-up The American military build-up began under

President John Kennedy. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 and

Lyndon B. Johnson took over. The build-up intensified under LBJ.

Tonkin Gulf (1964): American destroyers began firing on North Vietnam.▪ Tonkin Gulf Resolution: granted LBJ broad military power in

Vietnam (but no official war declaration) Operation Rolling Thunder (1965): full scale

bombing attacks- obvious escalation of war Tet Offensive (1968): Jan. 30- the Vietcong

launched an attack on over 100 towns and cities in South Vietnam and 12 U.S. air bases.▪ Lasted for about a month

http://www.history.com/topics/domino-theory/videos#tet-offensive

American Strategy In March of 1965, President Johnson began

dispatching tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers to fight in Vietnam. The draft was implemented to increase troops

Vietcong used hit-and run -tactics Lived amongst civilians so it was hard for the U.S.

to know who was on their side and who wasn’t. Also, built elaborate tunnels so they can withstand

air raids. U.S. dropped napalm (a gasoline-based bomb)

and Agent Orange (a leaf –killing toxic chemical) to expose the tunnels and hideouts.

http://www.history.com/topics/agent-orange/videos#on-patrol

A Nation Divided

Main Idea An anti-Vietnam War movement in the U.S. pitted supporters of the government’s war policy (hawks) against those who opposed it (doves).

First TV War How might seeing

footage of what was actually going on affect those at home?

Why did this conflict have more people voicing discontent over our involvement than any other to this point?

Vietnam became America’s first “living room war” Combat footage appeared nightly on the news

Thousands of men attempted to find ways around the draft Medical exemptions, college deferment Many African-Americans fought in the war

because it was harder for them to dodge the draft.

Those who opposed the war but couldn’t dodge the draft often resorted to alcohol and drug use while in Vietnam.

The Working Class Goes to War

Background: The idea of fighting far away from home for a questionable cause led many Americans to resist going to Vietnam

Selective Service System/draft –men between the ages of 18-26 could be called into military service Became controversial

– 80% of men drafted were from the lower/working class of society

Higher percentage of African Americans were drafted than Whites

The Tet Offensive in Vietnam, two assassinations at home, and a chaotic presidential election made 1968 an explosive year.

1968 Presidential Election

President Johnson (LBJ) declined to seek reelection as president in 1968

Bobby Kennedy (RFK) entered the Democratic presidential race▪ Assassinated by Sirhan

Sirhan in June 1968 Campaigned on a

promise to restore law and order.

Also, promised to end the war.

The Tet Offensive Turns the War

Tet Offensive (1968) – surprise attack by Vietcong and North Vietnamese army on numerous cities in South Vietnam Militarily = U.S. victory after

1 month of fighting Politically and Psychologically

= U.S. defeat▪ American public had

thought the war was almost won, not true

Significance – American public increasingly turned against the war during 1968

Protest

May 1, 1970 - President Nixon calls anti-war students "bums blowing up campuses."

May 2, 1970 - American college campuses erupt in protest over the invasion of Cambodia.

May 4, 1970 - At Kent State University in Ohio, National Guardsmen shoot and kill four student protesters and wound nine.

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1969.html#kent

The End of the War and Its Legacy

President Nixon’s plan “Vietnamization” –

withdraw U.S. troops and replace them with South Vietnamese troops trained and equipped by the U.S.

Significance – Vietnamization ultimately failed ▪ South Vietnam was

conquered by North Vietnamese forces (supplied by the Soviet Union) in 1975, both sections merged under communist control

Vietnam War demonstrated the power of American public opinion in reversing foreign policy

U.S. casualties in the Vietnam War: 58,000 soldiers killed and 303,000 wounded 15% of 3.3 million Vietnam veterans suffered from

post-traumatic stress disorder Vietnam War left scars on American society that

have not yet been erased Unlike veterans of WWII, Vietnam veterans returned

to face indifference or outright hostility from some who opposed the war effort

It was not until several years after the end of the war that Vietnam veterans were recognized and honored for their service and sacrifices Vietnam Veterans

Memorial (aka “The Wall”) unveiled in 1982 in Washington D.C.

A to Z Sentence Summary

Nixon and the Watergate Scandal

President Nixon ultimately resigned from office in 1974. Watergate Scand

al – centered on the Nixon administration’s attempt to cover up a burglary at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHnmriyXYeg

Flash forward to the 1980’s!

Main Idea – President Reagan’s conservative political philosophy prompted a reevaluation of the size and role of government in the economy and society of contemporary America

http://www.history.com/topics/ronald-reagan/videos#reagan-and-the-1980-debates

President Ronald Reagan

Election of 1980 – Ronald Reagan (Republican) defeated Jimmy Carter (Democrat)

“The Reagan Revolution”- term used to describe the shift a more conservative path during President Reagan’s time in office Redefining of federalism =

more power to the states, less power to the national government (devolution)

Reagan Appointments President Reagan

made appointments of conservative federal judges and supreme court justices who exercised “judicial restraint” Sandra Day O’Connor

– first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court

“Reaganomics” Takes Over “Reaganomics” – President

Reagan’s economic policies that included: Budget cuts - reduction in the

number and scope of government programs and regulations▪ EX: urban mass transit, food

stamps, welfare benefits, job training, Medicaid, school lunches, student loans

▪ Hurt the poorest members of society

Tax cuts – for wealthy Americans to free up money for investment in business▪ Based on supply-side economics▪ Helped the wealthiest members of

society

Increased Defense spending – strengthened the military (Cold War)

Significance –Reagan’s policies caused:▪ a recession in 1982-

1983, then a recovery period until 1987 when the stock market crashed

▪ federal deficit tripled during his time in office

Reagan and the Cold War

The Cold War Ends

Main Idea – The end of the Cold War was marked by the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 due to both internal and external pressures.

Increasing Soviet military expenses to compete with the U.S. U.S.S.R. had trouble

keeping up with the U.S., didn’t have enough money

Economic inefficiency that led to stagnation and recession

Internal Problems of the Soviet Union

March 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became general secretary of the Communist Party in the Soviet Union.

New policies from Mikhail Gorbachev

“Glasnost” (openness)– allowed for open criticism of the government and took steps toward freedom of the press.

“Perestroika” (economic restructuring)– less government control of the economy▪ allowed for some

private enterprise▪ took steps for

establishing a democratic government in the U.S.S.R.

External Pressure from President Reagan

President Ronald Reagan’s policies increased pressure on the U.S.S.R. that contributed to its collapse. Increased military

spending that U.S.S.R. couldn’t match▪ EX: SDI (aka “Star Wars”)

– missile defense shield Challenged moral

legitimacy of the U.S.S.R.

Pressure from Reagan

▪ Speech at the Berlin Wall - “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”▪ Berlin Wall torn down in November 1989.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei1HnWwzmNk

Cold War Legacy in U.S. During the Cold War era,

millions of Americans served in the military to defend freedom in wars and conflicts that were not always popular.

As a result, the U.S. and American ideals of democracy and freedom ultimately prevailed in the Cold War struggle with the Soviet Union’s communist system.

Issues in Modern America

Immigration

Immigration has increased American diversity and redefined American identity. Many immigrants from Asian and Latin

American, Middle Eastern countries Reasons for immigration include:

Political freedom Economic opportunity

Issues related to immigration policy

Strain on government servicesWelfare, etc.

Filling low-paying jobs in the United States Border issues

Arizona, Texas Pathway to citizenship

Naturalization Bilingual Education

ELL (ESL) Increasing cultural diversity

Space Advances

1960s, John F. Kennedy increased support for the American space program. John Glenn- first American to orbit Earth 1969, Neil Armstrong first to walk on the

moon▪ “That’s one small step for man; one giant

leap for mankind…” Sally Ride- first female American

astronaut

Technology

Over the past 3 decades, improved technology and media have brought about better access to communication and information for businesses and individuals in both urban and rural areas.

As a result, many more Americans have access to global information and viewpoints.

Technological Advances

Space explorationSpace shuttleMars RoverVoyager missionsHubble telescope

CommunicationsSatellitesGlobal positioning system (GPS)Personal communication devices (cell phones)

Robotics

Changes in work, school and health care

Telecommuting Online course work Growth of the service industry Breakthroughs in medical research

Jonas Salk- polio vaccine (1950s) Improved medical diagnostics Imaging technologies

Outsourcing and off shoring

Ronald Reagan Reagan’s policies had an impact on the

relationship between the federal government and state governments.

Reagan and conservative Republicans advocated for:Tax cutsTransfer of responsibilities to state governmentsAppointment of judges/justices who exercised “judicial

restraint”Reduction in number and scope of government

programs and regulationsStrengthening of U.S. military

Federal Government and the Economy

Federal government bases its decision on economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), exchange rates, rate of inflation and unemployment rate.

Government promotes a healthy economy characterized by full employment and low inflation through the actions of:The Federal ReserveThe President and Congress

Terrorism

The United States has confronted the increase in international terrorism by formulating domestic and international policies aimed at stopping terrorism. Patriot Act Diplomatic and military initiatives

Modern Presidents Review

John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)

“New Frontier” Cuba/Beginning of Vietnam/ Assassinated-

Lee Harvey Oswald Famous quote: “ask not what your country

can do for you, but what you can do for your country”

NASA Eventually Leads to 1969- Moon Landing- Buzz

Aldrin and Neil Armstrong- “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”▪ Apollo 11

Peace Corps

Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969)

VietnamResponsible for escalating the Vietnam War○ Gulf of Tonkin Resolution 1964

Heavy Protest- TV war that causes much dislike for the warTet Offensive- military build-up○ U.S. successful, but turning point of war-heavy protest from the war

after○ LBJ doesn’t seek re-election for the Democratic Party

Civil Rights President Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act 1965

Great Society- PLATFORM-everyone has equal chanceWar on povertyRace, gender (women’s movement)

Richard Nixon (1969-1974)

Vietnam Vietnamization- slowly withdrawing troops so

the ones don’t die in vain- doesn’t want to lose the war

1970 Bombs Cambodia▪ Leads to heavy college protest- Kent State massacre-

“4 dead in Ohio” Meets with China▪ Eases relations with Communist China and Soviet

Union▪ Détente ▪ SALT I- reduce arms▪ First president to go to China

Nixon Continued… Watergate Scandal

Gets caught stealing information from the Democratic Headquarters

Begins cover up Forces Nixon to resign before he gets

impeached Causes Americans not to trust American

politics Gerald Ford takes over presidency for 2

years

Jimmy Carter (1977-1981)

Human Rights President/ Collapse of détente with Chinese

Camp David Accords- peace agreement between Egypt and Israel (Middle East Hot Spot)

Iran Hostage Crisis American captured by Iran- Carter refused to

negotiate- will lead to the election of Ronald Reagan

Domestically- oil prices go up, recession (mini-depression)

Ronald Reagan (1981-1989)

Conservative, social issues (AIDS, homosexuality, drugs, abortion, Affirmative action- Univ. of California v. Bakke)

Reagonomics- give big tax breaks to wealthy business in hope to have money trickle down to the poor Relied on supply-side economics- if people paid less taxes

they would save more money Builds up military

Star Wars program- forces Soviets to try to compete End of Communism

Collapse of Berlin Wall Glasnost- openness to western culture in USSR Perestrokia- restructuring economic system in USSR

George H.W. Bush (1989-1993)

Continues Reagan’s policies Problems in the Middle East

Date back to 1986- Reagan approved the sale of arms to Iran in their war against Iraq▪ Iran promised to release 7 U.S. hostages held in Lebanon by

pro-Iranian terrorists Persian Gulf War- Iraq v. Iran

Sadam Hussein claimed oil-rich Kuwait was part of Iraq and invaded then headed towards Saudi Arabia

Bush launches Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi control

Had a hard time on domestic front- U.S. was facing a recession- had to raise taxes

William Jefferson Clinton (1993-2001)

Won election by promising to move away from traditional Democratic policies Set out to tackle health care, budget deficit,

crime, and welfare Health Care Reform-set out to create affordable

health care for all Americans Unsuccessful

Budget- cut spending, lowered taxes and in 1997- U.S. had a surplus- 1st time in 30 years

Terrorism- 1st bombing of WTC North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Scandal in the White House- was impeached

George W. Bush (2001-2009)

VERY controversial election September 11, 2001- WTC attacked,

Pentagon attacked War on Terror Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq Patriot Act

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