Results Of The TET offensive Flashcards
What was the tet offensive
1968 vietcong abandoned guerilla tactics. Joined by official North Vietnamese army and PAVN. Large scale attacks across South Vietnam. Targeted 100 towns and outposts. US caught by surprise as it was TET New Year Holiday so many ARVN were on leave. Vietcong hoped South would join the uprising showing US that all support had been lost.
Initial victory for vietcong
Attacked when ARVN were on leave.
Boarding Khe Sanh helicopter base near the border to distract US attention. Attacked 100 towns and outposts.
Us taken by surprise
80,000 PAVN and Vietcong took nearly 40 provincial capitals.
Saigon:4,500 PAVN and Vietcong pinned down larger US force for two days
Hue:PAVN and Vietcong captured and held the city for 25 days.
Eventual defeat for Vietcong
US adjusted and responded.
50,000 PAVN And vietcong were killed
Vietcong never recovered sor war effort taken over by PAVN
Little support from South.
Us had 1500 dead and ARVN had 3000 dead
Defeatxfor vietcong and PAVN
Negative US reaction
Saigon was broadcast on TV
Retaking hue killed civilians which shocked public
Execution of fighter in saigon was shown on TV
Walter cronkite US leading journalist said what the hell is going on I thought we were winning this war.
War was costing 20xbilliom a year.
Johnson wouldn’t stand for re election and denied requests for 200,000 more men
Said I’f I loose walter I’ve lost the war.
What was the main result
Negative reaction in the US because it meant support collapsed and government tried to get out of it
Initial victories wer3 Impressive but short lived
Eventual defeat was comprehensive but PAVN took over
