I need some help with history.

Vietnam War.

Published on August 26, 2006 By adnauseam In History

I am a history buff and I hope that JU regulars like Dr. G. , Moderateman and others can help me with an intriguing question.

My wife and I were watching "Battlefield Detectives" on Discovery and the subject was the Vietnam War. Some clips shown were of Walter Cronkite in 1968 in Saigon. This was after/during the Tet offensive. The newsreel comment ran 'roughly' like this: Cronkite's on the scene programme turned the tide of American feeling towards the war. Note: I do not use parentheses because I was not expecting Walter Cronkite's commentary to have such a reaction, so I cannot quote. But, apparently, this relay from Saigon during Tet had an effect on Americans and they, consequently, turned against the war.

What are the details and why did Cronkite sway Americans against the war? Just interested for History's sake.

Comments

Dr Guy

on Aug 26, 2006

Cronkite did not turn any tide. But the pictures did. It brought the horror of war back to the US Public. It was literally the first video war. Where the rea;ity was brought into our living rooms. as the first, it had many negative effects.

And some still cannot realize that.

Moderateman

on Aug 26, 2006

Walter was one of the most "heard" and respected men in America, If Walter is against it, it must be bad.

No one questioned his patriotism, he was one. no doubt.

I was already out of country before Tet, and even though I was there {1965-1966} the shock of seeing the war on TV was too much even for me.

By 1967 the Anti-war movement was in full swing, The draft was in effect then, to many rich boys {like our president and vice-president} ducked combat while the poor ones went and died.

The only thing I respect about John Kerry was that he volunteered for combat.

The anti-war movement tore America apart, families, friends, were drawing lines in the sand.

I hope this sets some of the scene for you.

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