Why did Nixon order US forces to bomb North Vietnam in 1972?

Nixon ordered intense bombing of North Vietnam in 1972, known as Operation Linebacker, to pressure its leaders during peace negotiations and make them more willing to accept a settlement. The goal was to intimidate or coerce North Vietnam’s leaders, not to end the Tet Offensive, which had occurred in 1968. My Lai was also not the cause of the 1972 bombing.

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