1. Tet offensive and Nixon
Chapter 16, Section 3

2. Tet Offensive
Westmoreland believed that the Vietcong was declining in strength
Could NOT mount a major offensive
Tet Offensive – assault on 36 provincial capitals and 5 major cities
How was the Offensive a strategic loss for America?
How would it affect the rest of the conflict?

3. Tet Offensive

4. Democratic Shake-up
War undermining his presidency – Johnson does not seek reelection
Eugene McCarthy – Minn. Senator and anti-war
Robert Kennedy – New York Senator
Both want Democratic nomination
Shift from victory to peace as official government policy

5. Assassinations MLK – April 4, 1968 shot in Mephis
Robert Kennedy – June 5, 1968
Celebrating his California primary victory
Shot in head
Sirhan Sirhan, Palestinian immigrant
Revenge for supporting Israel

6. Democratic Convention
Convention and Anti-war protestors in Chicago
Mayor deploys police and national guard
Choose Humphrey over McCarthy
Television coverage showed arguments inside convention and violence outside

7. Nixon for President Promised to deliver “peace with honor”
“Southern Strategy” – attract more southerners to Republican party
Appeals to law and order and bringing America back
Nixon wins with 43.6% of popular vote and 301 Electoral votes