1968: A Tumultuous Year Section 30*4 pp

The Tet Offensive Vietcong attack on January 30, 1968 –Attack 100 towns and 12 air bases –5 Americans killed during attack on US embassy in Saigon –US defeated Vietcong after a month

The Tet Offensive Consequences of Tet Offensive –Shocked American public –Widened LBJ’s credibility gap Change in Public Opinion –Media openly criticizes war –Sec. of Defense calls war “un-winnable” –LBJ’s approval falls to 40%

Days of Loss and Rage 1968 Primary Campaigns –Challenged by anti-war Democrats –Poor showing in NH primary –RFK declares his candidacy

Days of Loss and Rage LBJ’s Television Address 3/31/68 –Change policy in Vietnam –Wouldn’t seek reelection in 1968

Days of Loss and Rage Violence and Protest –MLK and RFK assassinations –College protests escalate

Turbulent Race for President Turmoil in Chicago –Democrats: Humphrey vs. McCarthy –10,000 protestors come to Chicago Protest Humphrey’s nomination Provoke police to show brutality

Turbulent Race for President Turmoil in Chicago (Continued) –Mayor Daley calls in National Guard Used mace and billy clubs Caught by TV cameras

Nixon Triumphs –Promised people law and order –Wallace took votes from Democrats Turbulent Race for President