Question

Why was the timing of nixon's foreign policy achievements particularly important?

Answer 1

The presidential elections came at a time when the United States had been involved in the Vietnam war for years and was gradually losing both men and money.

The war had become extremely unpopular at home along with a population that had become war fatigued.

Nixon wanted to use this public perception in order to give a message of hope and chance at easing cold war tension and a possible end of the Vietnam conflict.

His timing was important as the Public opinion helped him win the elections.

Nixon wanted to have better diplomatic relations with both China and the USSR, in a hope that a conclusion can be brought to the war with negotiations.

Answer 2

Nixon's ability to get the Soviet Union to agree to a Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty came at an imperative time because of the tensions between these two countries. This era, known as the Cold War, was one of extreme political and military tensions between the US and Soviet Union. At one point in 1962, the US and Soviet Union were mere minutes away from all out nuclear warfare thanks to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

So Nixon being able to deescalate the tensions between these two countries would be considered a positive accomplishment for all of mankind.