1. 1968: 1968 A Tumultuous Year
An enemy attack in Vietnam, two assassinations, and a chaotic political convention make 1968 an explosive year.

2. A Surprise Attack
• 1968 villagers go to cities to celebrate Tet (Vietnamese new year)
• Vietcong among crowd attack over 100 towns, 12 U.S. air bases
• Tet offensive lasts 1 month before U.S. and S. Vietnam regain control
• Westmoreland declares attacks are military defeat for Vietcong
- Vietcong lost 32,000 men
- US and ARVN forces lose 3,000 men
Psychological and political standpoint the attacks are a disaster – the enemy was supposed to be defeated.
Public witnessed attacks all over Vietnam on TV

4. Tet Footage

5. Tet Changes Public Opinion
Before Tet, most Americans hawks; after Tet, hawks, doves both 40%
Mainstream media openly criticizes war
LBJ appoints Clark Clifford as new Secretary of Defense when McNamara resigns
After studying situation, Clifford concludes war is unwinnable
LBJ’s popularity drops; 60% disapprove his handling of the war

7. Johnson Withdraws
Eugene McCarthy gains 42% of Democratic New Hampshire primary on “dove” platform
Johnson receives 48% but views it as a loss.
Robert Kennedy decides to run for president also on “dove” platform
Johnson decided to stop troop escalation and devise a plan for withdrawal
Johnson announces he will not run for president again

8. Johnson Declines

9. Violence and Protest April 4, 1968 – MLK is assassinated
Protest breaks out in over 100 US cities

11. Parts 1-61-6 Who Killed Martin Luther King Jr.? Conspiracy?

12. Death of Robert Kennedy
Robert Kennedy was shot just after midnight on June 5th, 1968
Robert had won the California primary and was giving a victory speech at an L.A. hotel
Assassin – Palestinian immigrant Sirhan Sirhan
Killed Kennedy because of a speech Kennedy gave about supporting Israel

14. Assassination of Kennedy

15. Turmoil in Chicago
Vice-president Hubert Humphrey wins Democratic nomination
Over 10,000 demonstrators go to Chicago
Mayor Richard J. Daley mobilizes police, National Guard
Protesters try to march to convention; police beat them; rioting
Delegates to convention bitterly debate antiwar plank

16. Chicago Riots

17. Nixon Triumphs
Nixon works for party for years, wins 1968 Republican nomination
Campaign promises: restore law and order, end war in Vietnam
Governor George Wallace is third-party candidate
Champions segregation, states’ rights; attracts protest-weary whites
Nixon wins presidency