1. Section 4 1968: A Tumultuous Year
Chapter 22
Section 4
1968: A Tumultuous Year

2. Tet Offensive Turns the War
Jan. 30, Vietcong launch attack on over 100 towns in S. Vietnam and 12 American bases
Attacked U.S. embassy in Saigon
Vietcong loses 32,000 and US/ARVN 3,000
Results in widening of credibility gap
Westmoreland says we’re winning!

3. Tet Changes Public Opinion
Mainstream media criticizes the war
Citizens become doves
Secretary of State McNamara resigns and is replaced by Clark Clifford
LBJ loses support
Credibility gap

4. Loss and Rage
Eugene McCarthy enters 1968 presidential election and vows to end war
March 31, LBJ announced a policy change- seek negotiations to end war and allow S. Vietnamese to play larger role. Also, he will drop out of elections.

5. Violence and Protest April 4, MLK assassinated
June 5, Robert Kennedy assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan
Students protest across nation

6. Turbulent Race Democratic Convention in Chicago
McCarthy v. Hubert Humphrey
SDS leader Hayden wants to adopt an antiwar platform
Yippies (Youth International Party)- violence
Protesters in downtown park are beaten and sprayed with mace
Delegates inside the convention argue

7. Nixon Triumphs Richard Nixon, Republican candidate for 1968 election
Promises to restore law and order
Kind of promised to end Vietnam war
George Wallace, governor of Alabama, joins as 3rd party candidate.
School segregation
States’ rights
“white backlash” candidate