Tet Offensive Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts and facts about the Tet Offensive.

Tet Offensive

A coordinated series of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong attacks on over 100 cities and outposts in South Vietnam, launched on January 30, 1968, during the Tet holiday.

Strategic goal of the Tet Offensive

To spark a general uprising in South Vietnam, collapse the South Vietnamese government, and force the U.S. to withdraw.

Significance of Tet Offensive timing

It coincided with the Tet holiday, traditionally a ceasefire period, catching South Vietnamese and U.S. forces by surprise.

Major urban centers attacked during the Tet Offensive

Saigon, Hue, Da Nang, Kontum, Ban Me Thuot, and others.

U.S. Embassy in Saigon during the Tet Offensive

Viet Cong commandos infiltrated and attacked the U.S. Embassy compound, shocking the American public despite being repelled.

Battle of Hue

A month-long battle where PAVN and VC forces occupied Hue; U.S. and ARVN forces had to fight block by block to retake the city.

Hue Massacre

Mass executions of civilians and prisoners by communist forces during the Battle of Hue, with an estimated 2,800-6,000 killed.

Tactical success for North Vietnam in the Tet Offensive

No, North Vietnamese and VC forces suffered heavy casualties and failed to spark a popular uprising.

Strategic success for North Vietnam in the Tet Offensive

Yes, it dramatically shifted U.S. public opinion, undermining support for the war and prompting U.S. policy changes.

Impact of the Tet Offensive on U.S. domestic support for the war

It eroded public trust in government statements of progress and intensified antiwar sentiment.

U.S. commander in Vietnam during Tet Offensive

General William Westmoreland.

Westmoreland's response to the Tet Offensive

He requested 200,000 more troops, which was politically untenable.

President Johnson's reaction to the Tet Offensive

He limited escalation, chose not to seek re-election, and began de-escalating U.S. involvement.

Media coverage's influence on the Tet Offensive

Graphic images and reports created a sense of chaos and contradicted official optimistic narratives.

Walter Cronkite's role in shifting public opinion

After visiting Vietnam, Cronkite declared the war a 'stalemate,' influencing public and political discourse.

Impact of Tet Offensive on U.S. Vietnam strategy

Marked a turning point toward Vietnamization and gradual U.S. withdrawal.

Vietnamization

Nixon's policy to transfer combat responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces while withdrawing U.S. troops.

Effect of Tet Offensive on the Viet Cong

Suffered devastating losses; afterward, PAVN (North Vietnamese Army) took the lead in major operations.

Lesson from the Tet Offensive for military leaders

The importance of aligning tactical success with strategic communication and public perception.

Tet Offensive and CGSOC PLO 3 (Continuum of Conflict)

It illustrates the nonlinear character of war — tactical failure leading to strategic success through psychological and political means.

Tet Offensive and PLO 5 (Strategy and Joint Planning)

Demonstrates the need for adaptable strategy that considers political objectives, enemy intentions, and information operations.