The Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive was a major military campaign during the Vietnam War, launched by North Vietnamese forces and the Viet Cong on January 30, 1968, during the Vietnamese New Year, Tet. It involved surprise attacks on key cities and military bases across South Vietnam. Although the offensive was a military setback for the North due to heavy casualties, it shocked the U.S. public and undermined support for the war effort. The widespread media coverage changed perceptions of the conflict, marking a turning point in U.S. involvement and ultimately contributing to the decision to withdraw American troops from Vietnam.
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The Tet Offensive was a major military campaign during the Vietnam War, launched by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces on January 30, 1968, coinciding with the lunar New Year, Tet. It involved surprise attacks on cities and military bases across South Vietnam. Although the offensive was a tactical defeat for the North Vietnamese, as they suffered heavy losses, it significantly shifted American public perception of the war, revealing that it was far from over. The intense media coverage fostered doubt about U.S. military success, ultimately influencing American policy and public support for the war.