1968+in++'Nam

=1968=

-Mr. Schwieters was 6, Mr. Georgeson just graduated from High School. -Significant for civil rights, economics, but mainly for the war in Vietnam.

__LEADING UP TO 1969__ -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, because -Optimistic reports are being sent back -McNamara sees "a light at the end of the tunnel" -Overall, the public still supported America in Vietnam -Average American supports America

__THE TET OFFENSIVE__ -an attack on U.S. strongholds throughout Southern Vietnam by the Viet Cong -Tet is a Vietnamese holiday on the lunar new year. The Vietnamese celebrate - it's like a new year or Independence Day. It's also a celebration time for fireworks... -Viet Cong attacked all the major cities in South Vietnam... 15 attacks -This changes everything, war is not going to end as soon and easily as thought -Attack is overall a failure but still goes on for a month. It was an American victory but looked like a defeat in the news. Why are we being attacked? -Vietnam is the first war with media coverage. Sometimes US and allies look like the bad guy. -LBJ struggles, Congress cuts his Great Society budget -US invovlment openly criticized by public -New Defense Secretary states that war seems unwinnable.

__PUBLIC OPINION CHANGES AND THE 1968 ELECTION__ -The nation turns on Johnson, Johnson says he is no longer the man for the job -In the midst of the Vietnam mayhem, MLK is assassinated. Riots ensue. -A leader is needed - Robert Kennedy rises -He is against war. -He is a Kennedy - good chance. -Kennedy is then assassinated... Difference is that this is caught on video and sent into the media. -The Democrats now need a new candidate, after Kennedy is killed. -It's between McCarthy and Humphrey (the Vice President of LBJ.) -Humphrey gets the nomination, though not everyone is happy about this. -Riots again. People think the government is lying to them, people are being beaten. -At least the music is good... -The 1968 election - Hubert Humphrey or Nixon. Or, the segregationalist guy Wallace. -Only a million votes between Humprey and Nixon, though Nixon wins. -Wallace manages to get about 5 states!