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Richard M. Nixon

Richard M. Nixon. Foreign Policy: 1968-1974 “I’ve always thought this country could run itself domestically without a President.”. Henry Kissinger. Nixon’s National Security Advisor (1969-1973) Secretary of State in 1973 Nixon’s closest and most trusted advisor

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Richard M. Nixon

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  1. Richard M. Nixon Foreign Policy: 1968-1974 “I’ve always thought this country could run itself domestically without a President.”

  2. Henry Kissinger • Nixon’s National Security Advisor (1969-1973) Secretary of State in 1973 • Nixon’s closest and most trusted advisor • Believed in ‘realpolitik’ - practical politics • Decisions based on maintaining strength, not moral principles • Détente - a relaxing of tensions between two nations.

  3. Nixon and China • Nixon and Kissinger took different approach to dealing with Communist China. • US began series of moves to improve relations with China. • “Ping-pong diplomacy” • Nixon traveled to China in Feb. of 1972 • Met with Chairman Mao and Premier Zhou Enlai (to Nixon’s right). • Nixon politically popular as a result.

  4. The Soviet Union and China • Soviet Union (Russia or USSR) communist but enemies of China. • Nixon exploited this difference. • Vietnam received majority of aid from Russia. • Better relations with China could be a bargaining chip to end Vietnam War.

  5. Strategic Arms Limitations Talks (SALT I) • Nixon visited Soviet Union in 1972. • First US President inside the Kremlin • SALT I Treaty signed in 1972 by US and USSR • Wanted to limit the proliferation (expansion) of offensive nuclear weapons. • Froze the number of ICBMs and SLBMs at 1972 levels. • Restricted the development of antiballistic missile systems.

  6. Missiles… ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic)SLBMs (Submarine Launched Ballistic)

  7. Personal Diplomacy begins to pay off • Paris Peace talks stalled since 1968. Renewed periodically. • China relations, USSR visit created a bargaining ploy to end the war in Vietnam • National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger claimed ”peace is at hand” - just before 1972 election. • December 1972, new round of bombing - “Christmas bombings” (Nixon - a “mad bomber”) • Bombed Hanoi, North Vietnam, mined the harbor • Vietnam resumes negotiations with US

  8. 1973 - Paris Peace Accords • The United States would withdraw all its forces from South Vietnam within 60 days. • All prisoners of war would be released. • All parties to the agreement would end military activities in Laos and Cambodia. • The 17th parallel would continue to divide North and South Vietnam until the country could be reunited.

  9. Nixon’s Foreign Policy Legacy • Nixon’s focus and most intense interest was always foreign policy • His achievements are often overshadowed by the Watergate scandal. • Nixon effectively ended the war in Vietnam • Nixon ushered in a period of détente with former US enemies

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