Section 4 1968

The Tet Offensive, January 1968

The Tet Offensive, January 1968 N. Vietnamese Army + Viet Cong attack South simultaneously (67,000 attack 100 cities, bases, and the US embassy in Saigon) Take every major southern city U.S. + ARVN beat back the offensive Viet Cong destroyed N. Vietnamese army debilitated BUT…it’s seen as an American defeat by the media

Impact of the Tet Offensive Domestic U.S. Reaction: Disbelief, Anger, Distrust of Johnson Administration Hey, Hey LBJ! How many kids did you kill today?

Johnson’s popularity dropped in 1968 from 48% to 36%.

1968 Election The Democrats Lyndon Johnson = current President (the favorite) Eugene McCarthy = little known Senator (the underdog) Against the war… does well in early primaries Robert F. Kennedy = former Attorney General (the name) Decides to run after seeing how well McCarthy does

Then in March… Johnson announces …I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President.

Then in April… MLK is Assassinated in Memphis

Then in June… RFK is Assassinated in LA

Then in August… Democratic Convention in Chicago

10,000 Anti-war people gather outside the convention. want McCarthy (Humphrey wins) Police and National Guard called to “maintain order” Rioting occurs… police use force All captured on TV…. Looks really bad

Dem. Candidate = Humphrey VP Under Lyndon Johnson (unpopular) Rep. Candidate = Nixon 2 major issues he ran on Ending war in Vietnam Ending rioting and protests in cities

A lot of the public hated ALL OF THE CANDIDATES 3rd Party Candidate = George Wallace former Alabama Governor Racist (supported segregation) Won 5 Southern states in the election Had some support in Northern areas too

Then in November… Presidential Election