3 Aug 1964 Jahr - Gulf of Tonkin Incident

Beschreibung:

The Gulf of Tonkin Incident was an attack of the USS Maddox by North Vietnamese patrol boats. This event causes LBJ to call for attacks on North Vietnamese military ports and bases. This incident causes Congress to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This resolution essentially allowed LBJ to “take all necessary measures, including the use of armed force”. This was obviously an issue as it limited the ability of the government to use checks and balances during this international conflict. Many blame this resolution for prolonging the war as it gave a single president, similar to a communist ruler, full ability to authorize attacks.