The Tet Offensive: A Concise History Book

An experienced military historian and scholar of the Vietnam War, James Willbanks believes that the Tet Offensive of 1968, in which Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces launched a massive countrywide attack on South Vietnam, was a strategic victory for Hanoi. Though the Communists failed to achieve their objectives, the offensive showed that America's progress was grossly overstated, causing many Americans and key presidential advisors to question the wisdom of prolonging combat. Willbanks also believes that the Battle of Khe Sanh, in which Communists took control of a Marine Combat Base a week prior to the Tet Offensive, was launched by the North Vietnamese to distract the United States. Therefore, Willbanks feels these two battles are intimately linked. Drawing on primary sources from both America and Vietnam, Willbanks presents an engaging and complete historical portrait of these conflicts and singles out key problems of interpretation. He includes maps, chronologies, excerpts from historical documents, an annotated list of resources, and a short encyclopedia of key people, places, and events. A unique critical reference and guide for further study, this volume enlarges the debate surrounding this important turning point in America's longest war.Read More