1968+-+The+Turning+Point



We could probabaly spend an entire week (or more) on 1968, and still leave out some important information about his key year in American history. Create a page on your notebook called "1968" and take some notes today focussing on this key question - //**Why was 1968 such a turning point in the Vietnam Era?**// As and after you take notes, make them powerful, engaging, interactive, and hyper by adding relative images, maps, and links. At the end of the notes, come up with some questions - both about the information discussed in class and questions about what will happen in the next few years!

Your notes will be evaluated ...

Do you have complete and detailed information? Are your notes organized, with main topics identified and set apart from each other? Did you add relevant images and links to support the information? Did you pose some questions? Begin your notes by cutting and pasting the info below the line ... I'm getting you started with some examples!

--- ** 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 **
 * 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


 * QUESTION - What will it take to turn public opinion? **

** The TET Offensive ** An attack on US strongholds throughout southern Vietnam. US won a strictly military victory at the palace but the Vietnamese won a political victory. 15 major battles within a month - US won the battles on the battlefield but the Vietnamese win in public opinion.

Public opinion changes

US involvement in the war is openly criticized LBJ says he will not run for re-election

King is assassinated

Huge riots violence in almost all cities

Kennedy Murdered

Massive fights at Chicago convention police beat up protestors people starting not to trust the government

-at olympics winners do a silent protest for human rights and some thought it was for black power