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 * Richard Nixon**

Nixon disagreed with the number of deaths that had already occurred in the war, which totaled 31,000 at the time he became President. He believed that too many Americans were placed in Vietnam, and that there wasn't a huge purpose in having them there, because they were constantly taken apart by guerrilla fighters supporting North Korea. The war was drawing criticism from the American public as well as other countries, and it wasn't necessary to try to hold on any longer, because it would just cause more deaths. In addition, the training program for South Vietnamese soldiers was behind schedule, so there would be not sure time when American troops could return home. Nixon knew that the war was not "winnable" and that the public wanted to get out of the war. His major goal was to get out of the war as quickly as possible. He also wanted to reduce American casualty rates and the total number of combat troops in Vietnam. He wanted to build a larger and more reliable base of support within the American public. He wanted to buy some time in Vietnam without angering the public to finish out what he had planned for the war. He also wanted to get the government of North Vietnam to participate in peace talks in Paris. His biggest point and the focus of his campaign was an effort to make peace.
 * Describe the criticisms of American society the individual or group made __and__ what goals they hoped to achieve.**

In an attempt to get American soldiers out of the war, Nixon created 4 strategies: Nixon also used speeches as well as his actions to share his ideas. One particular speech where he outlined his policies for the future of the Vietnam War was his Address to the Nation on November 3rd, 1969. In doing this he was able to buy time and gather support from the American people. He pleaded to the public to be united for peace, and ensured that his plan would enable him to create peace.
 * Explain the methods the person or group used to share their message. Be sure to provide examples.**
 * Vietnamization - train the South Vietnamese army and convince them they could handle the war on their own, in hopes of eliminating the need for American ground forces
 * Politics of Polarization - Nixon wanted to get support from the American people and he wanted to appeal to the "silent majority". He also wanted to make his opponents seem extreme.
 * Madman Scenario - Henry Kissinger made Nixon seem wild and unpredictable, and his actions of secretly bombing Cambodia, bombing Hanoi and Haiphong, invading Cambodia, and mining Haiphong harbor supported these claims
 * Triangular Diplomacy - Nixon worked to expand trade relations with the Soviets and Chinese, which he hoped would pressure North Vietnam into settling the war

Nixon's approach was practical because he needed to make actions in accordance to his campaign speech. He promised to end the war in a way that would allow America to win peace. His 4 strategies were seen by Americans as him making an attempt to fix the problems the war had caused and to end it as painlessly as possible. His speeches were practical for this time period because they instilled a sense of unity and confidence in the American people.
 * Discuss the intent to which the goals and methods used by the individual or group were practical in this time period.**

I think that Nixon did a good job in the situation he was put in. The only negative seen in Nixon's strategy was the secret bombing of Cambodia, because people believed it was completely unnecessary. However, Nixon was only trying to keep the soldiers safe that had been placed in Vietnam during Johnson's presidency. He was able to return American soldiers in a short amount of time without too much more added to the war. He kept his pledge to the American people that he would attempt to create peace. The goals that he set for himself were achieved and it seems as though Americans were happier after his involvement in the war than they were before he stepped into office.
 * __Evaluate__ the successes the individual or group had in promoting their position.**

"Digital History." //Digital History//. Web. 30 Apr. 2012. . "Nixon Administration." Web. 01 May 2012. . "Nixon and Vietnam." //Object Moved//. Web. 30 Apr. 2012. . "||Nixon's Plan For Ending the Vietnam War||." //WILLKOMMEN BEI |lars-klein.com|//. Web. 30 Apr. 2012. . "Richard Nixon: Address to the Nation on the War in Vietnam." //The American Presidency Project//. Web. 30 Apr. 2012. .
 * Works Cited/Referenced**