What policy did President Nixon pursue in Vietnam intended to transfer combat responsibilities to South Vietnam?

• A. Containment
• B. Détente
• C. Vietnamization
• D. Escalation

Answer: (C)

This question tests understanding of Nixon’s strategy to shift the fighting burden onto South Vietnam. Vietnamization was the policy Nixon pursued, announced in 1969, to build up and empower the South Vietnamese army (ARVN) by expanding its size, training, and equipment so they could take the lead in combat while American troops were gradually withdrawn. The goal was to lessen direct U.S. ground involvement while still pressuring North Vietnam to negotiate a peace, aiming for a “peace with honor.” This stands in contrast to containment as a broad Cold War aim, détente as easing tensions with the Soviet Union and China, and escalation as increasing American military involvement. Vietnamization is the term that clearly describes transferring combat responsibilities to South Vietnam.