Richard Nixon's primary strategy in Vietnam was a method called "Vietnamization" in which American forces would train and specialize the South Vietnamese army. By doing so, U.S. forces would not have to participate in a combative role and it would resolve the issues surrounding U.S. troops dying for a cause that people in the United States already did not support. This approach would also consider a gradual withdrawal of troops from South Vietnam, finally allowing those troops to return home, something the American public had demanded and protested throughout the Vietnam War. However, despite this stance, Nixon was very dedicated to the cause of helping South Vietnam become independent and democratic. This was demonstrated when he said, “Defending freedom is everyone's business, not just America's business.” And it is particularly the responsibility of those whose freedom is threatened” (Nixon). Nixon's approach did indeed have a beneficial effect in terms of American interests. In reality, his Vietnamization goals actually led to the withdrawal of American troops. His approach was effective in that: "Nixon gradually reduced the number of American troops in Vietnam in several stages, from a peak of 549,000 in 1969 to 69,000 in 1972" (History.com). Based on this perspective and goal alone, Nixon's approach to Vietnamization was formidable since troops were no longer stationed in Vietnam and could return home. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay On the other hand, it can be said that Nixon's strategy ultimately destroyed the South Vietnamese. The gradual American withdrawal from South Vietnam also presented many significant military opportunities for Northern forces. His goal of strengthening the South Vietnamese army, allowing it to be independent and capable of defending itself, was ultimately a failure. This can be demonstrated when South Vietnamese forces fell to the Communists in 1975. Nixon's plan for the Vietnam War therefore had both positive and negative aspects. Although it effectively resulted in the withdrawal of American forces from Vietnam and ultimately satisfied American public opinion, it also did not fulfill the main premises of Vietnamization. These premises were to build a strong South Vietnamese force that would otherwise be strong enough to be self-sustaining and capable of defending itself against North Vietnamese forces. As evidenced by the North's victory, this was obviously not the case, making Nixon's Vietnamization a failure for the South Vietnamese..