Gulf Of Tonkin

Question 1

What happened?

Answer 1

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🪦 Downfall and death (1963):
• By 1963, Diem’s actions were causing unrest — including mass Buddhist protests and burnings (self-immolations).
• The U.S. withdrew support for Diem.
• In November 1963, he was overthrown and assassinated by South Vietnamese generals with U.S. approval.

Question 2

What was the result?

Answer 2

The U.S. Congress passed a resolution giving President Lyndon B. Johnson power to take “all necessary measures” to defend South Vietnam.
• Effectively gave Johnson a blank cheque to send U.S. troops without declaring war.

Question 3

Why was it important?

Answer 3

Start of full U.S. involvement:
• Marked the beginning of direct U.S. military action in Vietnam.
• Led to Operation Rolling Thunder in 1965 (mass bombing campaign).
• By 1968, over 500,000 U.S. troops were in Vietnam.
2. Controversy and lies:
• Later evidence showed the second attack probably didn’t happen.
• Johnson used it as an excuse to escalate the war.
3. Increased U.S. anti-war feeling:
• When the truth came out years later, many Americans felt misled.
• Sparked distrust in government — especially during the 1970s.