VW9: Nixon and Vietnamization

July 30, 2025
00:00 55:15
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In this episode, Sean and James discuss President Richard Nixon’s early approach to the Vietnam War, highlighting his policy of Vietnamization—gradually shifting combat responsibility to South Vietnamese forces while withdrawing U.S. troops. It examines the fractured 1968 presidential election, Nixon’s political maneuvering, and key military developments like the failed Communist Tet ’69 Offensive and the controversial Battle of Hamburger Hill. Nixon’s strategy included a shift to pacification under General Creighton Abrams, secret bombing in Cambodia (Operation Menu), and the CIA-led Phoenix Program targeting Viet Cong leadership. Despite early American successes, the war continued with no clear end in sight, even as Communist forces began to weaken by late 1969.

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Meet Your Host
James is an Adjunct Professor of History at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX. He has published one book and two scholarly articles. He is also the cohost (with Scott Rank) of the Presidential Fight Club, Key Battles of the Civil War, Key Battles of the Revolutionary War, and Key Battles of World War I podcasts.
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