1968+Notes

Why was 1968 such a turning point in the Vietnam Era?


 * No clear but winner in the war
 * Increase in American forces in SE Asia
 * Viet Cong proved to be the guiding force in South Vietnam
 * U.S. tried to pacify South VIetnam

LBJ Remained Determined


 * Optimistic reports are sent back
 * McNamara sees "a light at the end of the tunnel"
 * Overall, the public still supported American in Vietnam

The Tet Offensive


 * An Attack on U.S. strongholds throughout Southern Vietnam by the VC
 * Eventually developed into a U.S. victory shook the public, who thought the enemy was close to defeat

LBJ Struggles


 * Congress cuts his Great Society Budget

Public Opinion Changes


 * Congress cuts his Great Society Budget
 * U.S. involvement in the war is openly criticized
 * New Defense Secretary states that the war seems inwinnable
 * The Nation turns on Johnson
 * Johnson speaks about stopping Vietnam
 * Johnson declines presidential candidacy for 1968

Assassination


 * MLK is assassinated
 * Caused major riots in the U.S.
 * Bobby Kennedy is assassinated
 * McCarthy vs. Humphrey
 * Richard Nixon Elected