1968

WHY WAS 1968 SUCH A TURNING POINT IN THE VIETNAM ERA?

CONTEXT
 * no clear cut winner
 * increase in American forces in SE Asia
 * Viet Cong proved to be the guiding force in South Vietnam
 * US tries to "pacify" South Vietnam, try to get everyone in South Vietnam to like the US soldiers

LBJ REMAINED DETERMINED
 * optimistic reports sent back
 * McNamara sees "a light at the end of the tunnel"
 * overall, the public still supported America in Vietnam

THE TET OFFENSIVE
 * attack on US strongholds throughout Southern Vietnam by the VC
 * TET- Lunar New Year
 * eventually developed into a US victory
 * shook the public, who thought the enemy was close to defeat
 * picture- Americans are confused at why we were allied with South Vietnamese, shooting the man in public

A NEW WAR
 * "living room war"
 * the news is no longer as censored
 * Americans were able to see more of the war

ELECTION YEAR
 * LBJ struggles
 * Congress cuts his Great Society budget
 * public opinion changes
 * US involvement in the war is openly criticized
 * new Defense Secretary states the war seems unwinnable
 * the nation turns on Johnson
 * Johnson speaks about halting the bombing and...
 * LBJ won't accept another term
 * Bobby Kennedy runs for the Democratic nomination
 * wins a lot of primaries
 * wants to win Chicago, leaves the hotel
 * assassinated by a Palestinian
 * thinks that he won't support Palestine in the conflict over there
 * Richard Nixon is nominated-promises peace and honor
 * Nixon wins the presidency

1968 DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION -After MLK's assassination, violence erupted throughout the country -One fourth of Vietnam's casualties happen in 1968
 * nominate Hubert H Humphrey
 * lots of violence

ANTIWAR MOVEMENT