What was the significance of the Tet Offensive for the Vietnam War?

By 1968 the USA had increased its commitment to South Vietnam in the hope of preventing the spread of communism. There were 535,000 US troops in Vietnam by that time which was more than ever. They saved South Vietnamese government but over 15,000 Americans had died in the conflict. The National Liberation Front and Vietcong launched the Tet Offensive in Feb. 1968 against the South and America. Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, was chosen to launch a surprise attack. Simultaneously, attack over 35 towns and cities. Saigon, capital city of South Vietnam and most US bases, was among the target. T…