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Gulf of Tonkin Incident
(Photo Credit: The Nation) The Gulf of Tonkin Incident involved reported attacks by North Vietnamese forces on U.S. Navy destroyers in international waters. This led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution which allowed the U.S. to escalate military action in Vietnam. Americans were outraged, and then later upset when they discovered no evidence of a second attack actually ever happened. -
March on the Pentagon
(Photo Credit: The New York Times) The March on the Pentagon was a very large protest by the public showing ant-war sentiments. They goal was to persuade the U.S. to end the war. It was a big cultural event in the United States, as it was a turning point for citizens as they began to challenge authority. -
Tet Offensive
(Photo Credit: Magnum Photos) The Tet Offensive was a major surprise attack by North Vietnamese and Vietnam Cong forces. It gave the public a real taste of what the war was truly like, and many worried the war was truly a 'stalemate.' It deepened the public's concern with the war and eroded public support for the war. It also contributed to President Johnson's decision to not campaign for re-election. -
My Lai Massacre
(Photo Credit: PBS) My Lai Massacre was a war crime in Vietnam where U.S. soldiers killed between 347-500 unarmed civilians (mostly women and children). It shattered America's trust in military leadership and horrified the public. -
Fall of Saigon
(Photo Credit: Wikipedia) This event marked the end of the long and grueling Vietnam War. South Vietnam fell to North Vietnam, and many images circulated of Americans leaving Vietnam via helicopter. These images were believed to have shown defeat and desperation to many Americans.