Tet Offensive

Question 1

What happened?

Answer 1

Tet = Vietnamese New Year — a time when both sides usually agreed to a truce.
• On 30–31 January 1968, the Vietcong and NVA launched a surprise coordinated attack on over 100 cities, towns and military bases, including:
• Saigon (capital of South Vietnam)
• The U.S. embassy
• Hue (held for nearly a month)

Question 2

Results?

Answer 2

U.S. military success
• U.S. and South Vietnamese forces eventually repelled the attacks.
• The Vietcong lost around 10,000 fighters and were badly weakened militarily.

❌ Political disaster for the U.S.
• The American public was shocked — they’d been told the war was being won.
• If the enemy could attack Saigon, was the war really under control?
• Media coverage (TV, newspapers) showed:
• Fierce street fighting
• Civilian deaths
• Loss of U.S. confidence

Question 3

Impact on the USA?

Answer 3

Support for the war collapsed
• Public confidence collapsed after the offensive.
• Many Americans felt lied to by their government.
2. 🗣️ “Credibility gap” grew
• People no longer trusted what leaders like President Johnson said.
3. 🔚 Johnson quits
• March 1968: Johnson said he wouldn’t run for re-election.
• Turning point in U.S. policy — start of Vietnamisation and gradual withdrawal.