21.+Turning+Points+Notes


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


 * Leading up to 1968**
 * No clear cut winner
 * Increase in American forces in the SE Asia
 * Veit cong proven to be guiding force in South Vietnam
 * Us tries to "pacify" South Vietnam
 * Lyndon B. Johnson**
 * Lyndon Johnson is remaining very determined
 * Optimistic reports are sent back
 * They see a light at the end of the tunnel
 * So overall, the pubic all supported what the US was going in Vietnam
 * The Tet Offensive**
 * An attack on the US in many different cities
 * Strong holds throughout southern Vietnam by the VC
 * It is televised!
 * 70,000 communism soldiers attacked the US
 * Now, the public was not as supportive about the US and they had changed their opinions
 * Eventually was a US victory because they got back every land that the VC took
 * LBJ**
 * LBJ is in HUGE responsibility and they are all judging him- election year!
 * Congress cuts is Great Society budget and everyone turns on him! :(
 * Defense secretary says war might be unwinnable
 * Johnson goes on TV and speaks about halting and bombings and peace
 * He tells the nation now that he will not run for another term and is not coming back
 * Then, four days later is when Martin Luther King is assassinated.
 * This results to violence and riots and cities are burning!
 * New Election of 1968**
 * Robert Kennedy steps up and puts his name in for president.
 * He is the leader and face for our whole country
 * Kennedy is assassinated!
 * Now, it is between McCarthy and Humphrey
 * Chicago brings out extreme force and then the mayor of Chicago is critizited and the mayor gets very mad
 * Nixon suddenly is back up for nomination
 * George Wallace is the new nomination
 * Nixon wins by less than a million votes- his motto is peace and honor