Tet Offensive

Question 1

When was the Tet Offensive?

Answer 1

January-February 1968

Question 2

How did the Tet Offensive start?

Answer 2

During Tet religious celebrations Vietcong launched a series of simultaneous military attacks against US targets

Question 3

What was the aim of Vietcong attacks during Tet religious celebrations?

Answer 3

To stimulate a mass uprising against the Americans from the South Vietnamese

Question 4

How was Tet a massive military defeat for the Vietcong?

Answer 4

-25,000 Vietcong killed
-5000 Vietcong captured
-Vietcong had been decimated

Question 5

How was Tet a defeat for the US?

Answer 5

Psychological defeat rather than a military defeat for USA
-Shown USA that prospects of a quick end to the war and US victory would be far away
-Military containment looked redundant and not fit for purpose

Question 6

How did Tet impact US public perception?

Answer 6

Damaged Americans’ faith in their side as the ‘good guys’
-Famous photo of a Saigon general shooting a bound captive in the head

Question 7

Why was Johnson criticised following Tet?

Answer 7

-Criticised for dishonesty
-When he was honest, was uninspiring and looked guilty of lack of leadership

Question 8

How was Johnson set up to fail?

Answer 8

US public wanted Johnson to fight and escalate
->Loses
->US public turn on Johnson