aug 2, 1964 - Tonkin Gulf

Description:

The United States’ destroyer USS Maddox was reportedly fired at by multiple Vietnamese boats, and they engaged as defense. It later came to light that the United States had not been fired at by the boats, and that these reports were false. These reports lead to the Tonkin Gulf Resolution being passed, which allowed the president, Lyndon B. Johnson, to control the military without congressional approval.
Tonkin Gulf had a massive effect on the war, because it allowed the president to control the military without needing approval from Congress. It is considered to be when the Vietnam war began, as the president could now make actions in Vietnam without having to consider what was best for American interest.