Full Answer
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution of 1964?
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution or the Southeast Asia Resolution, Pub.L. 88–408, 78 Stat. 384, enacted August 10, 1964, was a joint resolution that the United States Congress passed on August 7, 1964, in response to the Gulf of Tonkin incident .
What did Johnson do in the Gulf of Tonkin?
Congress passes Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. Johnson responded by sending in another destroyer. On August 4, the two destroyers reported that they were under attack. This time, Johnson authorized retaliatory air attacks against North Vietnam. He also asked Congress to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.
What was the outcome of the Gulf of Tonkin?
The outcome of these two incidents was the passage by Congress of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which granted US President Lyndon B. Johnson the authority to assist any Southeast Asian country whose government was considered to be jeopardized by " communist aggression".
When was Lyndon Johnson's speech on the Gulf of Tonkin?
August 4, 1964. p. 1. Archived from the original on December 23, 2009. Retrieved October 27, 2009. ^ "Text of Lyndon Johnson's speech, Gulf of Tonkin Incident".
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What happened in the Gulf of Tonkin on August 2 1964 and August 4 1964 what was the result of these two events?
On August 2, 1964, the destroyer USS Maddox, while performing a signals intelligence patrol as part of DESOTO operations, was approached by three Vietnam People's Navy torpedo boats of the 135th Torpedo Squadron....Gulf of Tonkin incident.DateAugust 2 and 4, 1964ResultGulf of Tonkin Resolution; escalation of the War in Vietnam1 more row
What actually happened in the Gulf of Tonkin on August 2 on August 4?
In August 1964, the USS Maddox destroyer was stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of North Vietnam. On August 2, it was attacked by North Vietnamese torpedo boats. And then, two days later, on August 4, the Johnson administration claimed that it had been attacked again.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and what did it do?
On August 7, 1964, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, authorizing President Johnson to take any measures he believed were necessary to retaliate and to promote the maintenance of international peace and security in southeast Asia.
What happened in the Gulf of Tonkin on August 2 1964?
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution authorized President Lyndon Johnson to “take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression” by the communist government of North Vietnam.
Which president started the Vietnam War?
The major initiative in the Lyndon Johnson presidency was the Vietnam War. By 1968, the United States had 548,000 troops in Vietnam and had already lost 30,000 Americans there. Johnson's approval ratings had dropped from 70 percent in mid-1965 to below 40 percent by 1967, and with it, his mastery of Congress.
How many troops were in Vietnam in 1968?
549,500U.S. troop numbers peaked in 1968 with President Johnson approving an increased maximum number of U.S. troops in Vietnam at 549,500....1968 in the Vietnam War.LocationVietnamResultThe American war effort in Vietnam peaks in 1968 as the American public support takes a huge hit after the Tet Offensive
What did the U.S. government say happened in the Gulf of Tonkin on August 4th 1964?
On the evening of August 4, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson addressed the nation in a televised speech in which he announced that two days earlier, U.S. ships had been attacked twice in international waters in the Gulf of Tonkin near North Vietnam.
Why was the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident a turning point in the Vietnam War?
Fifty years ago, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution marked a major turning point in the Cold War struggle for Southeast Asia. Passage of the resolution gave President Lyndon B. Johnson authority to expand the scope of U.S. involvement in Vietnam without a declaration of war.
What was the significance of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that Congress passed in 1964?
Gulf of Tonkin ResolutionLong titleA joint resolution "To promote the maintenance of international peace and security in southeast Asia."NicknamesSoutheast Asia ResolutionEnacted bythe 88th United States CongressEffectiveAugust 10, 1964Citations5 more rows
How many U.S. troops were in Vietnam by 1964?
23,3101964 in the Vietnam War← 1963 1965 →StrengthUS: 23,310 (31 Dec 1964) South Vietnam: 514,000 (includes militia)PAVN/VC:100,000Casualties and losses5 more rows
Did the Navy use Agent Orange in Vietnam?
SELECTED CHEMICALS USED DURING THE VIETNAM WAR By far the most widely used herbicide in Vietnam was Agent Orange, followed by Agent White; other tactical herbicides that were used during the war include Agent Blue, Agent Purple, Agent Pink, and Agent Green.
When was the first American killed in Vietnam?
First Americans killed in the Vietnam War, July 8, 1959.
Did the Gulf of Tonkin incident actually happen?
August 2, 1964Gulf of Tonkin incident / Date
Which of the following describe what happened in the Gulf of Tonkin on August 4?
Which of the following events occurred before or during the Gulf of Tonkin Incident on August 4? The Maddox and Turner Joy fired into the dark in the direction of what they thought they were torpedo boats. The Maddox and Turner Joy reported objects approaching them in the water.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin incident and when did it occur?
August 2, 1964Gulf of Tonkin incident / Start date
What happened as a result of the Gulf of Tonkin incident apex?
This prompted Congress to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which gave the president the right to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the United States. This resolution and the Gulf of Tonkin incident resulted in the U.S. getting directly involved in Vietnam.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution?
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, also called Tonkin Gulf Resolution, resolution put before the U.S. Congress by Pres. Lyndon Johnson on August 5, 1964 , assertedly in reaction to two allegedly unprovoked attacks by North Vietnamese torpedo boats on the destroyers Maddox and C. Turner Joy of the U.S.
Which president was authorized to make war in the Gulf of Tonkin?
destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin, the U.S. Congress authorized Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson to take any action necessary to deal with threats against U.S.
What was the Vietnam War resolution?
The resolution served as the principal constitutional authorization for the subsequent vast escalation of the United States’ military involvement in the Vietnam War. Several years later, as the American public became increasingly disillusioned with the Vietnam War, many congressmen came to see the resolution as giving the president a blanket power to wage war, and the resolution was repealed in 1970.
When was the Vietnam War repealed?
Several years later, as the American public became increasingly disillusioned with the Vietnam War, many congressmen came to see the resolution as giving the president a blanket power to wage war, and the resolution was repealed in 1970.
When was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution passed?
Passed the Senate on August 7, 1964 ( 88-2) Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 10, 1964. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution or the Southeast Asia Resolution, Pub.L. 88–408, 78 Stat. 384, enacted August 10, 1964, was a joint resolution that the United States Congress passed on August 7, 1964, in response to the Gulf ...
Who voted for the Formosa Resolution?
Bundy argued that the "best answer" to this problem was an event from Johnson 's own career as a Senator when in January 1955 when he voted for the Formosa Resolution giving President Eisenhower the power to use military force "as he deems necessary" to protect Taiwan from a Chinese invasion.
What ship was deployed to the Gulf of Tonkin?
In support of the raids, an American destroyer, the USS Maddox was deployed to the Gulf of Tonkin with orders to collect electronic intelligence on the North Vietnamese radar system.
What did Johnson say about North Vietnam?
After the meeting, Johnson told one of his aides, Kenny O'Donnell, that he felt he was "being tested" by North Vietnam with both agreeing that how the president handled the crisis would affect the election. O'Donnell recalled that Johnson's main fear was the incident might allow his Republican opponent in the election, Senator Barry Goldwater, a chance to gain in the polls. O'Donnell added that Johnson felt that he "must not allow them [the Republicans] to accuse him of vacillating or being an indecisive leader".
Who ordered the pull together of the Bundy resolution?
The Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, ordered his staff to "pull together" the resolution Bundy had written in May–June, just in case Johnson decided to submit it to Congress. On 3 August 1963, the South Vietnamese in their Swift boats raided Cape Vinhson and Cua Ron.
Who voted for the resolution to stop the spread of communism?
Much to Johnson's satisfaction, Senator Goldwater voted for the resolution as appropriate, which allowed the president to present himself as just as "tough on Communism" as his opponent. After the resolution was passed, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, John W. McCormack called Johnson to congratulate him.
Who was the American diplomat who served as Canada's representative to the International Control Commission?
The passage of the resolution alarmed several American allies who preferred that the United States not fight in Vietnam such as Canada. J. Blair Seaborn , the Canadian diplomat who served as Canada's representative to the International Control Commission engaged in secret "shuttle diplomacy" carrying messages back and forth from Hanoi to Washington in an attempt to stop the escalation of the war. On 13 August 1964, Seaborn arrived in Hanoi to meet the North Vietnamese Premier, Phạm Văn Đồng. Seaborn told Đồng that based on his recent meetings with Johnson that he was seriously using the powers he just gained from the Gulf of Tonkin resolution to go to war, but also stated that Johnson was willing to offer "economic and other benefits" if only North Vietnam ceased trying to overthrow the government of South Vietnam. Seaborn further stated that Johnson had told him that North Vietnam would "suffer the consequences" if it continued on its "present course". Đồng rejected the offer, saying he would rather see the war engulf "the whole of Southeast Asia" than to abandon the vision of one Communist Vietnam.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin resolution?
The United States Congress overwhelming approves the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, giving President Lyndon B. Johnson nearly unlimited powers to oppose “communist aggression” in Southeast Asia. The resolution marked the beginning of an expanded military role for the United States in the Cold War battlefields of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
What happened to Johnson in August?
role in Vietnam. On August 2, North Vietnamese torpedo boats attacked an American destroyer in the Gulf of Tonkin . Johnson responded by sending in another destroyer.
Why did Johnson's popularity rise?
Johnson’s popularity soared in response to his “restrained” handling of the crisis. The Johnson administration went on to use the resolution as a pretext to begin heavy bombing of North Vietnam in early 1965 and to introduce U.S. combat troops in March 1965.
What was the Tonkin Gulf Resolution?
In August 1964 Congress passed the Tonkin Gulf Resolution (78 Stat. 384), approving and supporting President Lyndon B. Johnson's determination to repel any armed attack against U.S. forces in Southeast Asia. Johnson subsequently relied on the measure as his chief authorization for the escalation of the vietnam war.
What happened in the Tonkin Gulf?
TONKIN GULF RESOLUTION. On 2 August 1964, the USS Maddox, engaged in an electronic spying operation in the Tonkin Gulf, was involved in a firefight with North Vietnamese PT boats. On 4 August, the Maddox was apparently attacked again in international waters. Although that second attack was never confirmed, President Lyndon B. Johnson informed the American people that he was retaliating against North Vietnam's aggression by ordering air attacks on its military installations and that he was also asking Congress for its support in the form of a congressional resolution.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution?
On August 5, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson sent a message to Congress asking for a Joint Resolution ''expressing the unity and determination of the United States in supporting freedom and protecting peace in Southeast Asia.'' Later in his message, President Johnson told the Congress exactly what he wanted.
Context of the Gulf of Tonkin Incident
As the Second World War was coming to a close, France wanted its colonies in Indochina that it had lost to the Japanese. President Franklin D. Roosevelt told the French that the United States was not in the business of propping up colonial regimes and that the U.S. would leave it up to the people of Vietnam to decide their own fate.
Gulf of Tonkin Incident Summary
The Gulf of Tonkin is the northwest arm of the South China Sea, bordered by North Vietnam on the west, China on the north, and Hainan Island on the east. Haiphong harbor is on the Gulf of Tonkin.
When did the second Gulf of Tonkin happen?
The National Security Agency originally claimed that another sea battle, the Second Gulf of Tonkin incident, occurred on August 4, 1964, but instead evidence was found of "Tonkin ghosts" (false radar images) and not actual North Vietnamese torpedo boats.
What did George Ball say about the Gulf of Tonkin?
many people ... were looking for any excuse to initiate bombing". George Ball stated that the mission of the destroyer warship involved in the Gulf of Tonkin incident "was primarily for provocation.".
How fast was Maddox?
Maddox retreated, but the next day, August 2, Maddox, which had a top speed of 28 knots, resumed her routine patrol, and three North Vietnamese P-4 torpedo boats with a top speed of 50 knots began to follow Maddox. Intercepted communications indicated that the vessels intended to attack Maddox.
What was Herrick's report to the Commander in Chief Pacific in Honolulu?
By early afternoon of August 4, Washington time, Herrick had reported to the Commander in Chief Pacific in Honolulu that "freak weather effects" on the ship's radar had made such an attack questionable.
Why did Wayne Morse fight against the Maddox resolution?
While Johnson's final resolution was being drafted, U.S. Senator Wayne Morse attempted to hold a fundraiser to raise awareness about possible faulty records of the incident involving Maddox. Morse supposedly received a call from an informant who has remained anonymous urging Morse to investigate official logbooks of Maddox. These logs were not available before Johnson's resolution was presented to Congress. After urging Congress that they should be wary of Johnson's coming attempt to convince Congress of his resolution, Morse failed to gain enough cooperation and support from his colleagues to mount any sort of movement to stop it. Immediately after the resolution was read and presented to Congress, Morse began to fight it. He contended in speeches to Congress that the actions taken by the United States were actions outside the constitution and were "acts of war rather than acts of defense." Morse's efforts were not immediately met with support, largely because he revealed no sources and was working with very limited information. It was not until after the United States became more involved in the war that his claim began to gain support throughout the United States government.
What was the short statement of Johnson?
Johnson's statements were short to "minimize the U.S. role in the conflict; a clear inconsistency existed between Johnson's actions and his public discourse.". Within thirty minutes of the August 4 incident, Johnson had decided on retaliatory attacks (dubbed " Operation Pierce Arrow ").
Was there a political motive for the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
There was no political motive to their action. On November 30, 2005, the NSA released a first installment of previously classified information regarding the Gulf of Tonkin incident, including a moderately sanitized version of Hanyok's article.
Overview
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution or the Southeast Asia Resolution, Pub.L. 88–408, 78 Stat. 384, enacted August 10, 1964, was a joint resolution that the United States Congress passed on August 7, 1964, in response to the Gulf of Tonkin incident.
It is of historic significance because it gave U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson authorization, without a formal declaration of war by Congress, for the use of conventional military force in South…
Towards the incident
In March 1956, the North Vietnamese leadership approved tentative measures to revive the southern insurgency in December 1956. A communist-led uprising began against Diem's government in April 1957. The North Vietnamese Communist Party approved a "people's war" on the South at a session in January 1959, and on July 28, North Vietnamese forces invaded Laos to maintain and upgrade the Ho Chi Minh trail, in support of insurgents in the south. In September 1…
Drafting
In February 1964, Walt Whitman Rostow, the director of the State Department's Policy Planning Staff pointed out a major constitutional problem with the plans to commit American forces to Vietnam, noting under the American constitution only Congress had the power to declare war. Johnson had made it clear that he was opposed to Khánh's plans to have South Vietnam invade North Vietnam out of the fear of causing a war with China, and he had even less enthusiasm for …
The Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Soviet-North Vietnamese relations had become badly strained in the early 1960s as North Vietnam moved closer to China, the more militant and aggressive of the two warring Communist giants. When Mao Zedong denounced Nikita Khrushchev for his "cowardice" for choosing a diplomatic compromise to settle the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 instead of a nuclear war against the United St…
Congress votes
Early on the morning of 04 August 1964, Johnson told several congressmen at a meeting that North Vietnam had just attacked an American patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin in international waters and promised retaliation. At the same time, Johnson also stated that he wanted Congress to vote for a resolution of support. After the meeting, Johnson told one of his aides, Kenny O'Donnell, that he felt he was "being tested" by North Vietnam with both agreeing that how the president handle…
As a policy instrument
The passage of the resolution alarmed several American allies who preferred that the United States not fight in Vietnam such as Canada. J. Blair Seaborn, the Canadian diplomat who served as Canada's representative to the International Control Commission engaged in secret "shuttle diplomacy" carrying messages back and forth from Hanoi to Washington in an attempt to stop the escalation of the war. On 13 August 1964, Seaborn arrived in Hanoi to meet the North Vietname…
Repeal
By 1967, the rationale for what had become a costly U.S. involvement In the Vietnam War was receiving close scrutiny. With opposition to the war mounting, a movement to repeal the resolution—which war critics decried as having given the Johnson administration a "blank check"—began to gather steam.
An investigation by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee revealed that Maddox had been on an electronic …
External links
• Original Document: Tonkin Gulf Resolution
• Ourdocuments.gov
• Peters, Gerhard; Woolley, John T. "Lyndon B. Johnson: "Special Message to the Congress on U.S. Policy in Southeast Asia," August 5, 1964". The American Presidency Project. University of California - Santa Barbara.