The Gulf of Tonkin Incident Flashcards
What happened at the Gulf of Tonkin?
North Vietnamese gunboats opened fire on US ships in the Gulf of Tonkin
When did North Vietnamese gunboats first open fire on US ships in the Gulf of Tonkin?
August 2nd 1964
What US destroyer exchanged shots with North Vietnamese torpedo boats?
US destroyer USS Maddox
When did the Maddox and another destroyer report once again coming under fire?
Two days after the first attack
4th August 1964
What did US Congress pass?
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution on 7th August 1964
What did the Gulf of Tonkin incident give Johnson the power to do?
“Take all necessary measures to prevent further aggression and achieve peace and security”
What did the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution allow Johnson to do?
Take the US into a full scale war if he felt it necessary
When was Operation Rolling Thunder launched following further VC attacks?
February 1965
What marked the US being at war with North Vietnam?
On March 8th 1965, 3500 US marines came ashore at Da Nang
How many North Vietnamese torpedo boats attacked the USS Maddox?
3
What did the USS Maddox fire?
Warning shots in an attempt to stop the torpedo boats and then opened fire
What was damaged?
1 US aircraft
3 North Vietnamese torpedo boats
Why do many people believe the second incident on 4th August never happen?
It was an excuse used by the Americans to send soldiers to Vietnam
What did Johnson use to justify sending marines?
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
What did the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution give Johnson the authority to do?
Help any South East Asian country threatened by communist aggression
