Why is the tet offensive known as the turning point of the vietnamese war?

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CRAIG C

The January 1968 Tet Offensive was considered the worst battle during the Vietnam conflict. Many Marines and Army personnel were killed during that fight. Assigned to the 3rd Marine Division I was at Dong Ha during the Tet, I was very lucky to be able to come home all in one piece. The French battled the Vietnamese for two decades and finally withdrew. I firmly believe after the Tet, our government, especially General Westmoreland knew that it would be impossible for us to be victors in this conflict. Over 55,000 men and woman died during the time that we were in Vietnam and for what?

Jen

because the NLF (National Liberation Front, supported by North Vietnamese army) actually caused a big surprised to all people in the world at that time (1968), American army in Saigon.. have you known that the NLF suddenly carried out attacks in the time that American didn't even expect.. US army just thought Tet would be same as previous years (which meant people went back to hometown and no fighting till Tet finish) but no! this time, NLF caused a real shock indeed! NLF attacked on the main cities and towns in South VN, especially they attacked Khe Sanh, main US army base where stored lots of weapons. however, what surprised the US and the people in the whole world was NLF dared to attacked the major points in Saigon, particularly: US Embassy (where was guarded carefully) and the Saigon main radio stations. This shows clearly to people that NLF could attack US anytime and anywhere. NLF controled them in few hours and unfortunately, in the end, NLF was actually lost the war. HOWEVER, it was said that they were defeated. yes! ALTHOUGH, the truth was turned out that they were only losted because they didn't get strong weapons. it was why President Johnson (US president at that time) said on the TV that he was seeking a negotiated peace conference.. there came the Paris Peace Conference later...
so, in short, it was a turning point of Vietnamese war because it caused a shock to people in the whole world general and to American army in particular.

tamarindwalk

Because it was a total and massive surprise.

No one thought the VC and the NVA could mount such a strong and sustained offensive. But they sure did and it was the straw that broke the back of the American and South Vietnamese effort.

peanutz

Craig answers from a personal experience and viewpoint, you cannot get this from books. My respect, Craig.

K H

Read your own damn text book and stop asking others to do your homework!

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