What was a turning point in the Vietnam War for the United States?

The Vietnam War saw several critical moments, but the Gulf of Tonkin incident and the Tet Offensive stand out as significant turning points for the United States. The Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964 led to the escalation of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam after Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, granting the president broad war powers. This marked a shift from advisory support to active military engagement.

The Tet Offensive in 1968 was a major coordinated assault by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces on key cities and military bases throughout South Vietnam during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet). Although it was a military setback for the North Vietnamese forces, it dramatically shifted public perception in the United States. The extensive media coverage and the unexpected scale of the offensive contradicted U.S. government claims of an imminent victory, leading to growing anti-war sentiment among the American public. This combination of events sparked widespread protests and significantly influenced public opinion and U.S. policy, ultimately contributing to a reevaluation of America's role in the war.

In contrast, the other options, while significant, did not have the same level of impact on the course or perception of the war at the time. The military draft announcement was a response to increasing troop requirements but did not