1970 US and South Vietnamese Forces' Incursion into Cambodia

Name: 1970 US and South Vietnamese Forces' Incursion into Cambodia
Start: 1965-04-29
Location: Unspecified

Overview of the 1970 Incursion into Cambodia

In April 1970, a significant escalation of the Vietnam War occurred when US and South Vietnamese forces launched a military campaign into Cambodia. This operation marked a drastic expansion of the war, as it was aimed at targeting the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong, who had been using the Cambodian border as a sanctuary for their operations against South Vietnam.

The Background of US Involvement in Cambodia

The war in Vietnam had intensified by 1970, with the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces receiving support and resources through southeastern Cambodia. The US government was concerned about the threat posed by these forces, leading to the decision to cross the border into Cambodia. President Richard Nixon justified this decision as a necessary action to secure Vietnam and prevent further attacks on South Vietnamese forces.

Operation Menu: Secret Bombing Campaign

Before the ground invasion, the US had conducted a secret bombing campaign called Operation Menu which lasted from 1969 to 1970. This operation aimed to destroy North Vietnamese bases in Cambodia. The revelation of these bombings led to significant backlash and raised questions about the legality and morality of US military actions.

Consequences of the Incursion

The incursion into Cambodia resulted in immediate and long-term consequences, both for the US and Cambodia itself. While the military operation aimed to weaken the enemy, it also sparked widespread protests and opposition back in the United States.

Impact on Cambodia's Civil Conflict

The US and South Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia contributed to the destabilization of the Cambodian government, leading to the rise of the Khmer Rouge, a radical communist faction. The chaos that ensued contributed to the Cambodian genocide, significantly affecting the Cambodian populace and altering the course of its history.

Public Reaction in the United States

The invasion led to mass protests across US colleges and universities, including the tragic Kent State shootings, which intensified public outcry against the Vietnam War. The American populace began questioning the US government's actions and motives in Southeast Asia.

Fun Fact

The Title of 'Weapons of Mass Destruction'

The operation was met with fierce criticism, and some protesters even dubbed it a move akin to 'weapons of mass destruction' due to the extent and impact of the bombing campaigns that preceded the ground invasion.