The Gulf of Tonkin and the Vietnam War
Background to Vietnam War
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American involvement in the Vietnam war
The Gulf Of Tonkin incident 1964
- US saw this as another situation in which containment was necessary (SEATO)
- The US had supported the French (military advisors)
- Kennedy increased troops
- CIA overthrows Diem in 1963 (corruptness)
The Gulf Of Tonkin incident 1964
- A Fabricated incident was set up; an American destroyer (USS Maddox was torpedoed)
- led by President Johnson to install the Tonkin Gulf Resolution
- lead to the commitment of regular ground troops and air support
- 200 000 troops in 1965 - 600 000 in 1968
Quote: Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time. - Johnson
Summary: Vietnam was divided into two parts after the French left at Dien Bien Phu. President Johnson (US) installed the Tonkin Gulf Resolution when a fake event occured and wanted an army brought into Vietnam.