1968

Why was 1968 the turning point in the Vietnam Era?
__Leading Up to 1968__ -no clear cut winner of 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-try to get everyone in vietnam to like the United States

__LBJ remained determined-our President__ -optimistic reports are sent back -McNamara says he sees a light at the end of the tunnel -overall, public still supported the war in Vietnam

__The TET Offensive__ at attack on the US strongholds throughout Southern Vietnam by the VC surprise attacking cities all over south vietnam all playing out on the nightly news-govenment is censoring the news Livingroom War first time people seeing this kind of stuff-body bags, fighting, etc Attacks coming from laos and cambodia-Hochiman Trial communists dug in, US noticed that they would have to destroy the place to take it back after TET US wins the TET offensive(on battlefield), but we loose the public's support

People are now very upset, we thought that we were close to winning

Americans see the picture of Vietnamese man getting shot by our ally-we get very mad at don't want to support

__LBJ struggles__ Congress cuts his Great Society budget

__Opinion of LBJ changes__ getting criticized more and more and more goes onto TV and speaks about halting the bombing he says that he's not going to run again, esp the Democratic parties

Casualties increase dramatically in 1968

4 days after LBJ gives his speech, MLK is shot

Violence and racial tension and violence breakout after him getting shot

__JFK's brother__ gives a speech that really helps people feel better He runs for the Democratic party immediately liked spents may and june going to many primaries and winning them goes to california in july gives a speech at the ambassador hotel and is assassintated

__Now Chicago has to nominate someone for President(Democratic)-CONVENTION__ people are protesting and police are everywhere beating people up its on national tv man critisizing the mayor for putting the police there mayor says f** * you on national tv to that guy

THIS YEAR IS NUTS!!!!

__Election of 1968__ Nixon wins-just barely becomes president becomes president again in 1972 he brings us to a horrible feeling in the 70s **