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Year 11 - History

The expansion of the war into Cambodia, Laos and North Vietnam, 1969-1972

The USA, 1954–75 conflict at home and abroad

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils study a modern society and the issues that affected it in great depth over a shorter period. They learn about the key events, developments, people and stories that shaped this modern society over a period of around twenty to thirty years.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how bombing campaigns changed the war.

Key Notes

  • The Nixon Doctrine made the US position clear: they would support South Vietnam against communism but remove troops.
  • Nixon engaged in official and secret negotiations to end the war.
  • Nixon expanded the war by attacking the Ho Chi Minh Trail in neighbouring Cambodia and Laos.
  • The US public and Congress were furious when they discovered that Nixon had expanded the war into other countries.
  • After a large invasion from the North Vietnamese, Nixon ordered heavy bombing of North Vietnam.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • doctrine: a doctrine is a stated position of government policy, usually in foreign or military affairs
  • negotiation: a negotiation is a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement
  • trail: a trail is a track made by repeated passage, usually far removed from an urban setting

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Negotiations are quick affairs.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

The Nixon Doctrine made the US position clear: they would support South Vietnam against communism but remove troops. Nixon engaged in official and secret negotiations to end the war.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'doctrine'

a doctrine is a stated position of government policy, usually in foreign or military affairs.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: Negotiations are quick affairs. Correction: Negotiations can sometimes take place over many years before any progress is made.

More Lessons In This Unit

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