The Turning Point 1968

Tet OffensiveThe year 1968 began with a daring attack by the Vietcong and the North Vietnamese army on numerous cities. The simultaneous strikes, while ending in military defeat for the communists, stunned the American public. Many people with moderate views began to turn against the war. YouTube - Tet Offensive

The DraftUnder the SelectiveService System, or draft, all males between the ages of18 and 26 could becalled into militaryservice. As Americans’doubts about the wargrew, thousands of men attempted tofind ways around the draft.

In March, 1968, a U.S. platoon under the command of Lt. William Calley, killed more than 200 Vietnamese-mostly women, children, and elderly men in the small village of My Lai.

In March, 1968, a U.S. platoon under the command of Lt. William Calley, killed more than 200 Vietnamese-mostly women, children, and elderly men in the small village of My Lai.

My Lai

Johnson Withdraws

The Vietnam War and the divisiveness itcaused took its toll on President Johnson. InMarch, 1968, Johnson announced he wouldnot seek re-election.