Final answer:
The Vietnam War saw a dramatic increase in American casualties, intense antiwar protests, and shifting public opinion following the Tet Offensive. U.S. troop withdrawal occurred in 1973 after a peace agreement, but the war concluded with the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the reunification of Vietnam under communism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was marked by increasing American casualties and growing public discontent. By the end of 1968, the war had claimed the lives of more than 30,000 American soldiers. The commitment peaked at nearly half a million troops, and with up to 40,000 men being drafted each month, the antiwar movement gained momentum, highlighted by significant protests like the one at the Lincoln Memorial in 1967. Despite these demonstrations, the war continued to escalate.
The Tet Offensive, a series of coordinated attacks by North Vietnamese forces in 1968, significantly altered American public opinion. This military campaign highlighted the tenacity of the North Vietnamese and shattered the perception of imminent victory, leading to increased skepticism towards the Johnson administration's handling of the war.
Following continuous conflict and failed peace efforts, a ceasefire eventually led to the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 1973. However, the war persisted until the fall of Saigon in 1975, after which Vietnam was reunified under a communist government. The long-term legacy of the war was profound, affecting American domestic politics, society, and foreign policy for decades.