Chapter 19 Section 2 Tet Offensive 1968 and

Chapter 19 Section 2 “Tet Offensive, 1968, and the presidential election”

Tet Offensive • On January 30, 1968, the Vietcong and North Vietnamese launched a surprise attack during the Tet holiday, (Vietnamese New Year). • The Tet Offensive was a massive surprise attack on American airbases in South Vietnam and most of the South’s major cities (see red stars to the left). • After about a month of fighting, the American and South Vietnamese soldiers fended off the enemy troops.

Victory? ? ? • In the Tet Offensive, the North Vietnamese suffered heavy losses, but they scored a major political victory. • With this action, the American people were shocked that an enemy supposedly on the verge of defeat could launch such a large-scale attack.

Additional Soldiers • General Westmoreland, the American commander in South Vietnam, called for more troops. • This made many Americans think that the United States could not win the war.

The Media • In addition, the media criticized the military effort. • Even Walter Cronkite, one of the most respected television newscaster, told the public that Vietnam would “end in a stalemate”.

The Aftermath of Tet • After the Tet Offensive, President Johnson’s approval rating fell. • As a result, Johnson announced that he would not run for reelection in 1968.

Which Democrat will run • Even before his announcement, Democrats began looking for a different candidate. • Eugene Mc. Carthy, a dove, announced his candidacy in November 1967. • Senator Robert Kennedy also declared that he would run.

Dr. King’s Death in Tennessee • In April 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. , was killed. • Dr. King’s death led to riots in several cities.

“Bobby” Kennedy killed • In June 1968, Senator Robert Kennedy (former Attorney General) was shot and killed after winning California’s Democratic primary.

Violence at the DNC • Violence continued in 1968 with a clash between police and protesters at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. • Protesters demanded that the Democrats adopt an antiwar platform.

Hubert Humphrey • The delegates at the convention chose Johnson’s vice-president, Hubert Humphrey, as their presidential nominee. • At the same time, protesters and police began fighting near the convention hall. • A riot broke out on the streets of downtown Chicago.

Richard M. Nixon • Richard Nixon was the Republican presidential candidate. – Remember, Nixon was Eisenhower’s Vice-President during the 1950 s. • He benefited from the violence associated with the Democratic Party. • Nixon promised to restore law and order. • He also announced that he had a plan to end the Vietnam War.

1968 Election Results • Additionally, George Wallace, the former governor of Alabama ran as an independent candidate. • The results…Nixon defeated Humphrey and Wallace in the 1968 election.