1968

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

-no clear cut winner in the war -increase in American forces in SE Asia -Viet cong proved to be the guiding force on South Vietnam -US tries to "pacify" South Vietnam
 * Leading up to 1968:**

--optimistic reports are sent back -Can see "Light at end of the tunnel" -overall, the public still supported America in Vietnam
 * LBJ remained determined**:

ALL ON TELEVISION -eventually developed into a US victory -shook the public, who thought the enemy was close to defeat -LBJ struggles -Congress cuts his Great Society Budget
 * The Tet (Vietnam lunar new year) Offensive**- an attack on US strongholds throughout Southern Vietnam by VC

-us involvement in the war is openly critized -new Defense Secretary states that the war seems unwinnable -the nation turns to Johnson
 * Public Opinion change:**

-causes riots, fights, protests all over -Robert F. Kennedy Goes for Presidency (possible light) -Kennedy was assassination
 * Assassination of Martin Luther King happened 4 days later:**

-protest got extremely violent -riots outside the place got even more violent (ALL ON TV) -Humphrey (Democratic) -Nixon and Agnew (Republican) -Wallace (independent party) -Richard Nixon Elected-Peace and Honor
 * The 1968 Election:**