The My Lai Massacre was a war crime committed by American forces during the Vietnam War in 1968. Hundreds of civilians were executed by US soldiers, including men, women, children, and infants. It is the largest publicized massacre of civilians by US forces in the 20th century. Twenty-six soldiers were charged but only one platoon leader was convicted. He was given a life sentence but served three and a half years under house arrest.
The My Lai massacre triggered international outrage and opposition to American intervention in the Vietnam War. Domestic anti-war sentiment grew dramatically, prompting the eventual withdrawal of American forces in Vietnam.