LEQ:How did the events of 1968 create a turning point in the war? Turning Points

Who Fought in Vietnam? Analyze “Statistics handout” What conclusions can u make after looking at the statistics? What is interesting, what doesn’t make sense?

By 1967- the US war effort began to stalemate

1968 1968 Democratic Convention Tet Offensive MLK Assassination Cronkite Editorial 1968 RFK Assassination LBJ Doesn’t run for reelection Nixon wins election “Plan to End War”

The Draft (Selective Service) Every US male must register for Selective Service 1966: 40,000 men were drafted each month Caused Moral and confidence to decline

Deferments To defer from military duty Must Appeal to Draft Board Most common: family, health, religious, education, and in the “national interest”, conscientious objector Must Appeal to Draft Board Draft Boards Volunteers, white, male, middle class, vets

Draft Inequalities Poor Boy’s Don’t…. Who Doesn’t go? Go to college, afford doctors, have careers; As a result they go to WAR! Who Doesn’t go? Affluent children Children of politicians 234 Sons of Congress eligible for the draft 118 deferments 28 sent to Vietnam 19 saw combat How do you think the majority of Americans felt about this?

Tet Offensive Jan. 31, 1968- Tet, Vietnamese New Year Surprise attacks on New Year, major cities and towns including Saigon-American Embassy Results: Military Failure- NVA lost over 40,000 men Propaganda Victory Cronkite and U.S. loses support for war

The Resistance Protest Grew Across America Hawks vs. Doves 1968 Democratic Convention/ violence Teach-ins Protest across college campuses

Music/Pop Culture The mood of a country can be expressed through popular music The Vietnam era music is filled with Vietnam references