Tet Offensive (1968) Flashcards
What were the few major battles in the Vietnam war?
Ap Bac (Jan 1963), Ia Drang Valley (Nov 1965), Khe Sanh (Jan-Apr 1968) and the deadliest, the Tet Offensive
What was the Tet Offensive?
Series of attacks on 26 cities and US bases in S. Vietnam on Jan. 30, 1968
When was there a ceasfire?
During Tet Lunar new year (Jan. 30 1968), ARVN off duty
What happened in late 1967?
N. Vietnamese and VC attacked just south of DMZ to lure US and ARVN troops away from cities and military bases
Why did the USA believe N. Vietnam were ready to give in?
N. Vietnamese suggested they were willing to negotiate peace
What happened on 20th January 1968?
N. Vietnamese troops surrounded and attacked a US base at Khe Sanh
What did Westmorland do to defend base af Khe Sanh?
Sent 6000 troops and bombers
When did Tet attacks launch?
30th January 1968
Why did it shock US public when they found out N. Vietnamese troops and VC got into US embassy in Saigon?
They thought they were winning the war. Was a humiliation for US government
After getting into the US embassy, what else did the N. Vietnamese troops and VC get into?
ARVN headquarters, the radio station and airport
How long did it take US and ARVN troops to win back old city of Hue?
3 weeks
What happened to cities that were meant to be safe?
They were simultaneously attacked, making them seem vulnerable
How large were the Communist forces?
84,000 combatants
How quickly were most bases and cities recaptured?
Within a month or less
What did N. Vietnamese and VC expect after Tet Offensive?
A popular uprising by the South Vietnamese (i.e. revolution)
