1968+-+Turning+Point+of+the+War

Leading up to 1968... LBJ Remained Determined The Tet Offensive Public Opinion Changes
 * No clear cut winer in the war
 * Increase in American forces in SE Asia
 * Viet Cong proved to be the guiding orce in South Vietnam
 * US tries to "pacify" South Vietnam
 * Optimistic reports are sent back
 * McNamara sees "a light at the end of the tunnel"
 * Overall, the public still supported America in Vietnam
 * An attack on U.S. strongholds throughout Southern Vietnam by the Viet Cong
 * Eventually developed into a U.S. victory
 * Shook the public, who thought the enemy was close to defeat
 * LBJ struggles - Congress cuts his Great Society budget
 * 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
 * MLK is assassinated, resulting in violence and riots across the nation
 * Robert Kennedy is assassinated