1968

1968 - Notes
Why was 1968 such 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
 * US tries 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 America 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

1968
 * Olympic year
 * Election year
 * Increase in US fatalities
 * MLK assassinated
 * Riots because of MLK's death
 * Bobby Kennedy assasinated
 * Democratic convention - absolute craziness
 * Detroit Tigers win World Series
 * Nixon elected

LBJ Struggles
 * Congress cuts his Great Society budget
 * Looses the presidential primary

Public Opinion Changes
 * US involvement in the war is openly criticized
 * New Defense Secretary states that the war seems unwinnable
 * The nation turns on Johnson
 * Johnson speaks about halting bombing and push for peace talks - says this on TV
 * Johnson tells the U.S. he won't run for President.