How Nixon’s Invasion of Cambodia Triggered a Check on Presidential Power

[geovalin]

Following months of secret U.S. bombings on Communist bases, American ground troops were deployed to northern Cambodia on April 28, 1970.

 

When President Richard Nixon ordered U.S. ground troops to invade Cambodia on April 28, 1970, he waited two days to announce on national television the Cambodian incursion had begun. With resentment already building in the country over the conflict in Vietnam, the incursion felt like a final straw.

The news unleashed waves of criticism from many who felt the president had abused his powers by side-stepping Congress. By November 1973, the criticism had culminated in the passage of the War Powers Act. Passed over Nixon’s veto, it limited the scope of the Commander-in-Chief’s ability to declare war without congressional approval.

While the act was an unusual challenge, presidents since have exploited loopholes in the War Powers Resolution, raising questions about executive power, especially during states of emergency.

 

read more https://www.history.com/news/nixon-war-powers-act-vietnam-war-cambodia

[Boon Mee]

It didn't start with Nixon and the neighboring countries to VN

One glaring example is the Ho Chi Mihn Trail which snaked through 90% of Laos 

[Scott Tracy]

Since the Vietnamese at that time has no respect for Cambodia and Lao borders, I can see why Nixon did what he did.

 

I still wonder why the US stepped in after the French were trounced through.

[IAMHERE]

1 hour ago, Scott Tracy said:

I still wonder why the US stepped in after the French were trounced through.

Primary reason was the domino theory. Did work in a way; Indonesia and Malaysia didn't go communist.

[baansgr]

1 hour ago, Scott Tracy said:

Since the Vietnamese at that time has no respect for Cambodia and Lao borders, I can see why Nixon did what he did.

 

I still wonder why the US stepped in after the French were trounced through.

Communism, the threat thereof

[Susco]

6 minutes ago, IAMHERE said:

Primary reason was the domino theory. Did work in a way; Indonesia and Malaysia didn't go communist.

Indonesia and Malaysia are both majority muslim.

 

You know of a muslim country that ever has practised communism?

[ChouDoufu]

2 hours ago, Scott Tracy said:

Since the Vietnamese at that time has no respect for Cambodia and Lao borders, I can see why Nixon did what he did.

 

I still wonder why the US stepped in after the French were trounced through.

free election, the threat thereof.