The gulf of Tonkin incident helped cause greater involvement in the Vietnam War for the United States. In the Gulf of Tonkin incident, North Vietnamese torpedo boats attacked the USS Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin, off of Vietnam coast, in a couple of attacks on August 2 and 4, of 1964. The USS Turner Joy also reported being attacked on August 4, 1964. The Tonkin incident was the source for the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, which committed major American forces to the war in Vietnam. After time had passed and troops were already in Vietnam, many believed the attacks never happened and only was used as propaganda for the United States to justify sending more Americans to fight the war. The first attack was proven but the second attack was never proven that it actually happened.
Shortly after taking office following the death of President John F. Kennedy, President Lyndon B. Johnson became concerned about South Vietnam’s ability to hold off communism. President Johnson wanted more involvement since he was not confident the South Vietnamese could defend itself against the communist North Vietnamese. He felt the North Vietnam army was stronger than the South Vietnam army. He believed South Vietnam would easily be turned into a communist state. He felt the United States was a World Power that no …show more content…
He requested the passage of a resolution “expressing the unity and determination of the United States in supporting a freedom and in protecting peace in Southeast Asia.” President Johnson wanted to show that the United States would continue to protect its national interests. Both the majority of the Senate and House of Representatives thought President Johnson was correct in his assessment to get more involved. Although one out spoken senator from Oregon, Senator Wayne Morse, called it a “historical mistake.” He was out voted and did not hold the popular opinion at that
Shortly after taking office following the death of President John F. Kennedy, President Lyndon B. Johnson became concerned about South Vietnam’s ability to hold off communism. President Johnson wanted more involvement since he was not confident the South Vietnamese could defend itself against the communist North Vietnamese. He felt the North Vietnam army was stronger than the South Vietnam army. He believed South Vietnam would easily be turned into a communist state. He felt the United States was a World Power that no …show more content…
He requested the passage of a resolution “expressing the unity and determination of the United States in supporting a freedom and in protecting peace in Southeast Asia.” President Johnson wanted to show that the United States would continue to protect its national interests. Both the majority of the Senate and House of Representatives thought President Johnson was correct in his assessment to get more involved. Although one out spoken senator from Oregon, Senator Wayne Morse, called it a “historical mistake.” He was out voted and did not hold the popular opinion at that