1968+Notes

Why was 1968 such a turning point in the Vietnam Era?
 * no winner in the war
 * increase in american forces in SE asia
 * vietkong giving us trouble
 * US tries to pacify south vietnam
 * Massive increase in US fatalities

LBJ REMAINED DETERMINED
 * public still supports vietnam
 * good reports sent back
 * McNamara sees a light at the end of the tunnel

THE TET OFFENSIVE
 * an attack on the US strongholds throughout Southern Vietnam by the Viet Kong
 * 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

PUBLIC OPINION CHANGES
 * US involvement in the war is openly criticized
 * new defense secratary says war seems unwinnable
 * nation turns on Johnson
 * Johnson says stop bombing and that hes not running for president again

ASSASSINATION
 * MLK shot
 * Riots everywhere
 * Bobby Kennedy shot

RICHARD NIXON ELECTED

ANTIWAR PROTEST
 * who?
 * why?
 * how?