1968

=1968=

Why was 1968 a turning point in the Vietnam Era?

Leading up to 1968. . . - No clear cut winner in the war - Increase in American forces in SE Asia - Viet cong proved to be the guiding force in South Vietnam - U.S. tries to "pacify" South Vietnam

President LBJ remained Determined - optimistic reports are sent back - McNamara sees "a light at the end of the tunnel" - Overall,the public still supported America in Vietnam

The Tet Offensive - an attack on U.S. strongholds throughout Southern Vietnam - Massive surprise attack - During Tet, or the lunar new year - Political win for the communists - Statistical win for the U.S. - U.S. thought enemy was close to defeat - Public is not happy - Turning point

Public Opinion Changes - U.S. involvement in the war is openly criticized - new defense sectretary states it's an unwinnable war - LBJ is done and doesn't want to be re-elected - 5 days later MLK is assasignated - Lots of riots in result - Bobby Kennedy runs for president - He's assignated - Election is now between McCarthy and Hubert Humphrey - Nixon, Humphery, and Walace runs for president - Nixon wins

ANTI WAR PROTEST BEGINS