Peace negotiations to end the Vietnam War, 1968-1972
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe features of the peace negotiations and give reasons for their failure.
Key learning points
- Johnson began negotiations in 1968, but little to no progress was made.
- Nixon began secret negotiations with North Vietnam when he became president in 1969.
- A breakthrough in the secret negotiations happened in 1972, but South Vietnam refused to accept the draft peace treaty.
- War continued whilst negotiations were ongoing, through actions like the Easter Offensive and Operation Linebacker II.
Keywords
Delegate - a delegate is a person sent to a meeting or conference to represent others
Negotiation - a negotiation is a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement
Common misconception
Allies are open and honest with each other, as friends should be.
Countries break alliances frequently and regularly act against the interests of long-time allies.
Teacher tip
Task B can be adapted to include a class discussion. Ask students to argue whether they think engaging in secret talks was the correct move in the situation or not.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Complete the sentence: the US policy of withdrawing troops and transferring responsibility for the war to the government of South Vietnam was known as .
Q2.What was the name of the route that enabled North Vietnam to send troops and supplies to South Vietnam?
Q3.Match the country to the action taken by the US.
invaded in Mar 1970, ground troops travelled 19 miles inside territory
air support provided for ARVN invasion in Feb 1971
Q4.Choose the groups who opposed American involvement in Vietnam.
Q5.Choose groups who supported US involvement in Vietnam. The names of some groups will give you clues about their views on the war.
Q6.What did Nixon mean when he referred to the 'silent majority'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which president first began peace negotiations with North and South Vietnam?
Q2.Which president began secret peace negotiations with North Vietnam?
Q3.Match the person to their role in the peace negotiations.
main US negotiator
main North Vietnamese negotiator
South Vietnamese president
Q4.What name was given to the massive North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam in late March 1972?
Q5.How did Nixon respond to the North Vietnamese attack of late March 1972?
Q6.Why did the South Vietnamese president refuse to sign the draft peace treaty in October 1972?
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: Peace negotiations to end the Vietnam War, 1968-1972, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: Peace negotiations to end the Vietnam War, 1968-1972, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the The USA, 1954–75 conflict at home and abroad unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.