1968

=1968=
 * 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 -and attack on the U.S. strongholds throughout Southern Vietnam by the VC -all on tv -urban warfare -happened on Tet, lunar new year -eventually developed int a U.S. 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 Secretary states that the war seems unwinnable -the nation turns on Johnson -Johnson speaks about halting bombing -done with presidency

Assassination -MLK assasinated -riots in every major city -Bobby Kennedy pushing for peace -Bobby Kennedy assasinated no nominee for president

The 1968 election -Chicago convection of 1968, everyone crazy -all on tv -Richard Nixon elected- peace and honor

Antiwar protest