The Tet Offensive and the Vietnam War

The Tet Offensive was a pivotal military campaign during the Vietnam War, marking a major turning point. Launched on January 30, 1968, by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong, it involved surprise attacks on over 100 South Vietnamese cities. Despite heavy casualties on both sides, the offensive shifted American public opinion against the war, leading to decreased US involvement and eventual withdrawal. The Battle of Hue was particularly intense, with significant losses. The offensive exposed the US government's misleading portrayal of the war, leading to political changes and peace talks.

What was the Tet Offensive?

• A US military operation in Cambodia

• A diplomatic meeting in Paris

• A peace treaty between North and South Vietnam

• A series of surprise attacks by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong

When did the US officially enter the Vietnam War?

• 1972

• 1968

• 1964

• 1960

What was the primary style of warfare in Vietnam before the Tet Offensive?

• Aerial bombardment

• Naval battles

• Trench warfare

• Guerrilla warfare

Which battle during the Tet Offensive was one of the longest and bloodiest?

• The Battle of Khe Sanh

• The Battle of Dien Bien Phu

• The Battle of Hue

• The Battle of Saigon

What was the outcome of the Battle of Hue for the North Vietnamese?

• They withdrew without a fight

• They signed a peace treaty

• They suffered heavy casualties

• They captured the entire city

What was the impact of the Tet Offensive on American public opinion?

• Increased military recruitment

• No change in public opinion

• Decreased confidence in the US government

• Increased support for the war

What event became synonymous with American military power gone awry during the Tet Offensive?

• The Fall of Saigon

• The My Lai Massacre

• The Gulf of Tonkin Incident

• The Paris Peace Accords

What decision did President Johnson make following the Tet Offensive?

• To escalate the war

• To run for re-election

• To invade North Vietnam

• To halt escalation and limit bombing

Who won the US presidential election after the Tet Offensive?

• Gerald Ford

• John F. Kennedy

• Richard M. Nixon

• Lyndon B. Johnson

What was the long-term impact of the Tet Offensive on the Vietnam War?

• It paved the way for American withdrawal

• It led to a US victory

• It resulted in a North Vietnamese surrender

• It prolonged the war indefinitely