🌟 Key Idea: Johnson's priority was fighting poverty and injustice at home, not abroad.

• Great Society
  • Goal: Combat poverty and social injustice
  • Actions
    • Improve civil rights
    • Eradicate poverty
    • Increase access to health and education
    • Create a cleaner environment

🔍 Real-World Example: Think of this like a teacher wanting to improve class performance, focusing on helping struggling students instead of just advancing the top ones.

• Credibility Gap
  • Definition: The difference between what the Johnson administration told Congress vs. what was actually happening.
  • Concern: Johnson feared that if the war (Vietnam) became the main topic, it would overshadow his domestic reforms.

🔍 Real-World Example: Imagine telling your parents you’re studying all night, but you’re also watching movies. They believe you until they find popcorn in your room!

• Background

  • By 1968, the war was at a pivotal point.
  • Despite increasing anti-war sentiments and US casualties, Johnson said the US was close to winning.

• What happened during the Tet Offensive?

  • On 30 January 1968, during Vietnam's New Year (Tet), 70,000 Communists attacked.
  • They targeted over 100 cities in the South.
  • Saigon was under siege for 11 days.
  • City of Hué saw immense destruction: 5,800 civilians killed.

🔍 Real-World Example: Imagine an unexpected heavy rainstorm during a picnic. No one saw it coming, and it changed the entire mood.

• Outcome
  • Although the Tet Offensive was a military failure for the Vietcong, it was a turning point in US public opinion.
  • First “televised” war: Americans saw shocking footage from Vietnam.
  • Result: Increase in anti-war protests and a shift in US strategy.