The Fall of Saigon
Within the months of the United States’ departure, the cease-fire agreement between North and South Vietnam collapsed. In March of 1975, after several years of fighting, the North Vietnamese launched a full-scale invasion against the South. Thieu appealed to the United States for help. American provided economic aid but refused to send troops. Soon thereafter, President Gerald Ford-who assumed the presidency after the Watergate scandal forced President Nixon to resign-gave a speech in which he captured the nation’s attitude toward the war:
“America can regain its sense of pride that existed before Vietnam. But it cannot be
achieved by refighting a war that is finished as far as America is concerned.”
On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese tanks rolled into Saigon and captured the city. Soon after, South Vietnam surrendered to North Vietnam.
“America can regain its sense of pride that existed before Vietnam. But it cannot be
achieved by refighting a war that is finished as far as America is concerned.”
On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese tanks rolled into Saigon and captured the city. Soon after, South Vietnam surrendered to North Vietnam.
By: Rachel E.