The Tet Offensive and its Consequences

Situation in 1968

USA optimistic

• felt they were winnning the ar
• over 500,000 US troops in Vietnam
• South Vietnamese Army control in cities
• 100,000+ Vietcong killed in  1967
• countryside relatively quiet
• North Vietnamese constantly bombed by US air force

Background

• 27th - 3rd Feb, Vietnamese New Year called Tet Holliday
• North Vietname offered truce for holiday
• US military notice Vietcong buildup
  • moved 15 battalions to Saigon from countryside
• in light of truce, half of the South Vietnamese army were allowed to go on leave

31st January 1968

• Approx. 85,000 Vietcong and NVA soldiers attackes 100 towns and cities
• Very well…