Tet Offensive, 1968

Who led the Tet Offensive?

North Vietnamese and VC

When was the Tet Offensive?

January-February 1968.

How many cities and bases in South Vietnam were attacked?

Over 100 cities and US bases.

What did the North Vietnamese and VC initially do?

Drew US and ARVN troops away from cities and military bases.

How did North Vietnamese and VC get US and ARVN away from cities and bases?

By attacking the demilitarised zone.

What did the North Vietnamese suggest?

A negotiated settlement.

What made the US think from North Vietnam’s suggestion?

The communists were losing.

What happened on 30 January?

North Vietnamese troops and the VC attacked high-profile places in Saigon, such as the US embassy, airport and radio station.

What happened to the attack in Saigon?

It was defeated.

What were US citizens’ reaction to the attack in Saigon?

They were shocked at events.

What did the US and ARVN troops do eventually?

Recaptured the cities and bases that were attacked.

What was a consequence for US and ARVN troops claiming places again?

The communists suffered very heavy losses and the VC were almost wiped out.

How did the American public see the Tet Offensive as?

A terrible failure.