Vietnam+1968



** LEADING UP TO 1968 … **


 * No clear cut winner in the war
 * Increase in American forces in SE Asia
 * [[image:http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/asia_pac/05/vietnam_war/img/maps/5.gif caption="external image 5.gif"]]
 * Viet Cong proved to be the guiding force in South Vietnam
 * US tries to “pacify” South Vietnam
 * opposition to war is beginning - [|Fulbright hearings in Congress]

** LBJ remained determined ** //**What will it take to turn public opinion?**//
 * Optimistic reports are sent back from Vietnam
 * [|Sec Def McNamara] sees “a light at the end of the tunnel”
 * [[image:http://kenbraiterman.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Robert-McNamara1.jpg caption="external image Robert-McNamara1.jpg"]]
 * Overall, the public still supported America in Vietnam

The Tet (Vietnamese New Year) Offensive 1/31/68



 * an attack on U.S. strongholds throughout Southern Vietnam by the Viet Cong
 * eventually developed into a US victory
 * shook the public who thought the enemy was close to defeat
 * LBJ struggles
 * Congress cuts his Great Society budget

Johnson Says He Won't Run

 * Johnson says he won't run for another term (March 31st, 1968)
 * US involvement in Vietnam is openly criticized
 * media type="custom" key="23177630"

Assassination

 * MLK is assassinated
 * starts huge riots in every major city (NYC, DC, Chicago, ect...)
 * Nation turns to Bobby Kennedy
 * Bobby Kennedy was assassinated
 * [[image:https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRymJnpY4KFF7E4I68YIT8FxCDgytaVqJUTtyrxPHkYHyrbVcY6]][[image:https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS6kGaOMLNSkycfGTdqIVeiAeXdyjqD1_d1ULLB_uJOACQK0SL2Vg width="158" height="210"]]

1968 Democratic Convention

 * Democrats nominate current Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey for President
 * huge riots
 * all live on TV
 * [[image:https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSINwhuCK8vvj_2Wjxn7lnypZAyMZrg9683OkjTXnj4Cgot1a8MRQ]]

Summer Olympics in Mexico City

 * Olympic protest
 * first and second place 100 yard dash winners protest for human rights
 * [[image:https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTgCasL_53hwvY0ze_Tda9lKwigRfJCGeLDejTE48sn83Ii4P5faA]]