tet offensive jan-feb 1968

• purpose?

  stimulate mass uprising against US from S.Viet
• 31 jan?

  com troops entered city but 24th feb s viet flag can fly over city again
• vietcong?

  massive military defeat. didn't get much support from S.Viet. 25k troops killed, 5k captured

  • vietcong decimated (destroyed by large number)
• result for US?

  turning point, shown conflict was stalemate (cronkite defeat)

  • public wonder how US achieve victory through military if enemy can strike with such range
  • no other option but to continue military escalation, 550k ground forces
  • clifford suggests deescalation. psyc defeat for US, vidtory was far and military containment not fit for purpose