8. Following the 1973 peace deal, North Vietnam realized the U.S. would not return, particularly after Nixon’s resignation and resulting congressional funding cuts. The ARVN, though well-armed, became immobile due to shortages of fuel and ammunition. Th

8. Following the 1973 peace deal, North Vietnam realized the U.S. would not return, particularly after Nixon’s resignation and resulting congressional funding cuts. The ARVN, though well-armed, became immobile due to shortages of fuel and ammunition. The 1975 NVA offensive triggered a rapid collapse as President Thieu’s abrupt retreat from northern provinces turned into a rout. Wawro concludes that the war was a failure of political signaling and incrementalism. The U.S. spent years seeking a "lucky break" while ignoring the reality that North Vietnam was prepared to fight indefinitely. (8)
1968