Modern History Source Memorisation - Reason for communist victory/outcome of war

Tet Offensive - exposed deficiencies in military intelligence

The VC and NVA’s ability to target widespread areas, including the U.S embassy in Saigon “Shattered the illusion of imminent victory” (George Herring)

Tet offensive as a catalyst for military policies

The Tet Offensive “ultimately forc[ed] a re-evaluation of US strategy in Vietnam” (James Wirtz)

Tet offensive (political leadership) - ruining of reputation

“It was the turning point in the war because it destroyed the credibility of the US government and weakened American resolve.” (Stanley Karnow)

Tet offensive (political leadership) - Public reaction

“What the hell is happening? I thought we were winning the war?” (Walter Cronkite)

Tet offensive (political leadership) - policy changes

“brought about Johnson’s dramatic decisions changing policy.” (Schmitz)

Tet offensive (political leadership) - end result of the offensive

Tet “set in motion the American exit” (George Herring)

Limit of Tet impact - usefulness of attrition approach

NV’s resourcefulness and devotion, in combination with the trauma US imposed on structure of SV society gave NLF ‘ingredients for complete success’ (Historian Kolko)

Limit of Tet impact - psychological impact from tactics

“We fought a formless war against a formless enemy who evaporated like the morning jungle mists” (Kaputo, U.S marine corps)

Facts and figures: Tet offensive in changing military policy

9000 casualties on USA + ARVN side, VC/NVA lost 60,000
Bombing campaigns halted, Westmoreland’s request for 200,000 additional men rejected

Facts and figures: Tet offensive effect on public reaction + political leadership

Coverage of offensive - Eddie Adams photograph (NLF officer execution)

Facts and figures: Limit of Tet impact/strat and tacts

Agroviles - increased poverty and reduced agricultural productivity
US Information Agency - ineffective in integrating democratic ideologies
Overall: increased likeliness of VC recruitment