Introduction
Nixon's Aircraft Arrives in Moscow, May 22, 1972 | |||
Nixon's aircraft arrives in Moscow, May 22, 1972 IRC, 2005. Image.
Discovery Education. Web. 15 July 2014. <http://www.discoveryeducation.com/>. |
Nixon and Party Tour the Great Wall of China | |||
Nixon and Party Tour the Great Wall of China IRC, 2005. Image. Discovery Education.Web. 15 July 2014. <http://www.discoveryeducation.com/>. |
Chinese Ping-pong Players at a School in Maryland | |||
Chinese Ping-pong Players at a School in Maryland IRC, 2005. Image.
Discovery Education. Web. 15 July 2014. <http://www.discoveryeducation.com/>. |
Chinese Troops Entering Korea in Late 1950 | |||
Chinese Troops Entering Korea in Late 1950 IRC, 2005. Image.
Discovery Education. Web. 15 July 2014. <http://www.discoveryeducation.com/>. |
Central Question: What effect did Nixon's foreign policy have on international affairs?
Richard Nixon entered the White House in 1969 with ambitious goals of easing tensions with the Soviet Union and China, while also securing peace with honor in Vietnam. Through Triangular Diplomacy, Nixon was able to glean important concessions from both China and the Soviet Union. A period of détente followed as tensions amongst the three powers was greatly reduced. Ending the Vienam War, however, proved to be more challenging for Nixon. Peace negotiations were not secured with the North until 1973. Though the United States managed to negotiate an end to the war, victory was not achieved.
Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Describe Nixon's policy of détente in China and the Soviet Union.
- Explain Nixon's Vietnamization policy and the rationale for an expanded war in Laos and Cambodia.
The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: US History 11 Objectives: 16 & 16.1.
This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standards: R2, R7, W1a, W1b, W1e, W2a, W5, & W9.