US and ARVN Launch Cambodian Campaign

The Cambodian Campaign was initiated by US and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) forces with the objective of targeting bases used by the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and Viet Cong (VC) in Cambodia. This military operation was part of a broader strategy to disrupt enemy supply lines and reduce the effectiveness of PAVN and VC forces operating in South Vietnam. The incursion into Cambodia was controversial and met with significant backlash in the United States, particularly as it contradicted President Nixon's earlier commitments to deescalate American involvement in the Vietnam War. The campaign aimed to provide a tactical advantage in the ongoing conflict, but it also raised questions about the legality and morality of expanding the war into neighboring countries without congressional approval. The impact of the Cambodian Campaign was profound, leading to increased anti-war sentiment across the United States. Protests erupted on college campuses and in cities, culminating in tragic events such as the Kent State University shooting, where National Guardsmen killed four students during a protest against the war. This incident intensified public outrage and further mobilized opposition to the Vietnam War. The campaign also had significant repercussions in Cambodia, as it destabilized the region and contributed to the rise of the Khmer Rouge, which would later lead to a devastating regime. The Cambodian Campaign thus not only affected military dynamics in Vietnam but also had lasting implications for Cambodian society and American public opinion regarding the war.