What policy did Nixon implement to reduce American combat involvement while strengthening South Vietnamese forces?

• A. Detente
• B. Pacification
• C. Vietnamization
• D. Escalation

Answer: (C)

Vietnamization involved shifting the burden of combat to South Vietnamese forces while gradually pulling American troops out. The policy aimed to train, equip, and empower the ARVN to take the lead in fighting, with the United States providing air support, advisory presence, and economic aid while pursuing a negotiated settlement in Paris. This approach reduced U.S. ground involvement and reflected Nixon's goal of “peace with honor.” It stands in contrast to detente (easing Cold War tensions), pacification (winning rural support), and escalation (increasing U.S. troop levels). In practice, it lowered American ground exposure, but ARVN challenges persisted and it did not ultimately prevent South Vietnam’s collapse when U.S. commitments waned.