1968+Notes

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

Context: Leading up to 1968 -No clear cut winner yet -Increase in American Forces in SE Asia -Viet Cong proved to be the guiding force in South Vietnam... NVA is not a hard enemy. Viet Cong is elusive -LBJ remained determined to prevent Communism to spread in Vietnam. -Apparently, the war is almost over, and people were supporting the war, public thought we saw the end of the war.

The Tet Offensive was when the Communist launched a huge surprise attack on the Vienamese Lunar new year. -total US victory, VC did not take a single city and lost 50,000 troops. -US looks bad on the attack, and people lose support for the war

LBJ is openly critisized for the war and he loses budget for all his programs. he resigns and says he will not be back for president

4 days later, MLK was assassinated. Nation falls into chaos...

Robert Kennedy steps up, he is loved, but as he gives a speech in California he is killed

Democratic party is in chaos, the convention is crazy, and Republican canidate wins!

Richard Nixon is elected.