Events At Gulf Of Tonkin Leading To A Crisi

Question 1

How had US intervened up until gulf of tonkin?

Answer 1

Eisenhowee sent 1 billion to ngos regime.
Kennedy sent 16,000 military advisors and 300 helicopters to fund ARVN expansion.
170,000 troops to strategic hamlets program.
1962 two thirds moved into new housing. They hated this. Broke bonds with homes and burial grounds. By 1963 policy abandoned as support for vietcong had tripled.

Question 2

Phase one North Vietnamese attack

Answer 2

USS Maddax was intercepting communications from North Vietnam and reporting back to the South as part of Johnsons Operation Plan 34A.
2nd of August 1964 3 North patrol boats fired a torpedo at it. Rumors of second attack too

Johnson bombed North Korea in areas and then appealed to Congress to escalate US involvement. On 7th August Gulf of Tonkin resolution was passed. Gave Johnson all powers necessary to prevent further aggression.

Question 3

Phase 2 US response

Answer 3

US helicopter base was attacked in 1965 so operation rolling thunder was launched. This is lots of bombing.
Lasted over three years. Meant to last 8 weeks
One million tons of bombs dropped by B 52 bombers.
Vietcong attacked US Air bases.

Then Johnson sends in US ground troops
3500 US marines land in South vietnam.
USA are firmly engaged now.