4a Why was the Tet Offensive such
a shock? 4b Note down two examples which show
that the USA needed to increase its commitment to Vietnam if it was going
to win the war there. 4c Select two examples which show
the effect of the war on America. 4d What evidence is there that the
USA was using all its might against North Vietnam? 4e In what ways were the American
military being held back?
4f Does the tone of this source tell historians about the effects
of the war on attitudes of the military leaders? 4g What clues does this source give
about the relative strength of
the US forces
the South Vietnamese
the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese?
Fill out the relevant line of your Case Study Worksheet.
Look at your answers to the questions on source 4.
What does Source 4 suggest about why the USA found it hard to get out of
Vietnam?
Does it provide evidence of military, political or both types of factors?
US Secretary of Defence Clark Clifford
on the impact of the Tet Offensive, 1968 (Council on Foreign Affairs)