Related Events

Protests

In 1970, President Nixon ordered an invasion into Cambodia, a country next to Vietnam. The invasion was meant to expand the war, disrupt the North Vietnamese's supply lines, and bomb Viet Cong base camps. This caused many anti-war movements in the U.S. One of the most known protests is the protest that happened at Kent State University in Ohio. The protests were usually peaceful, but this one soon turned violent. In the end, the National Guard opened fire into the crowd, killing four students. As a result, this increased the protests across the United States.

My Lai Massacre

In 1968, American soldiers of the Charlie Company who were on a search-and-destroy mission entered the village of My Lai and massacred more than 300 unarmed civilians. Some believed that the massacre was a result of the frustration of American soldiers fighting a guerrilla warfare against the Viet Cong. Some say that it was bad leadership and discipline. When news of the massacre reached America in 1969, public outrage occurred. This event further strengthened the anti-war efforts in America. Ultimately, Richard Nixon announced his "Vietnamization" policy and all troops were withdrawn by the end of 1973.

Tet Offensive

Tet Offensive is the biggest military campaign launched by the combined forces of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army against South Vietnam and the United States in 1968. It was a well coordinated surprise attack slightly demoralized the U.S. The campaign lasted about 6 months, from January 30 to August.The combined forces of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army successfully attacked many cities, towns, and villages simultaneously as planned. This campaign proved that North Vietnam was not as weak as we have imagined. Even though South Vietnam and the United States successfully repelled the attack and regained control of lost territories, this event left a huge amount of frustration onto both U.S soldiers and citizens at home. As a result, anti-war efforts intensified back at home.