Question

In one paragraph (5-6 sentences) give your opinion as to which factors had the biggest impact on ending U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Were they the military factors or the domestic factors? Be sure to use evidence from the lesson in your response.

Answer 1

In January 1973, the United States and North Vietnam concluded a final peace agreement, ending open hostilities between the two nation.

Domestic Factors

In the United States, the effects of the Vietnam War would linger long after the last troops returned home in 1973. The nation spent more than $120 billion on the conflict in Vietnam from 1965-73; this massive spending led to widespread inflation, exacerbated by a worldwide oil crisis in 1973 and skyrocketing fuel prices.

Psychologically, the effects ran even deeper. The war had pierced the myth of American invincibility and had bitterly divided the nation.