Background

The conflict in Vietnam was rooted in the conflict between the communist North Vietnam and the non-communist South Vietnam. By the time of the Cold War, Vietnam had gained its independence from the colonial powers of France and Japan. In retaking control of their country, Vietnam became divided into North and South Vietnam.

Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required. Click on North and South to learn more.

The Gulf of Tonkin Incident

By the summer of 1964, tensions were steadily rising between the North and South Vietnam. At the end of July in 1964, the USS Maddox entered the Gulf of Tonkin on an information gathering patrol.

Image of a current map of Vietnam.

Source: Vietnam, Central Intelligence Agency

Image of a portrait of the depiction of the engagement between the battleship USS Maddox (most prominently positioned) and three North Vietnamese motor torpedo boats (shown in the horizon) in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Source: KN-11060, Tonkin Gulf Incident, August 1964, Navy History & Heritage Command

On August 2, 1964, the USS Maddox was attacked by three North Vietnamese boats with torpedoes. Check out the actual photo taken from the USS Maddox below.

Image of an ocean with three small boats approaching far off in the distance. The photo is taken from the USS Maddox.

Source: NH95611-North Vietnamese motor torpedo boats attacking USS Maddox, 2 August 1964, Navy History & Heritage Command

On August 4, 1964, there was a report of another battle in the Gulf of Tonkin. The United States Navy fired upon what they "believed" was the North Vietnam Navy. There was never any clear evidence that the North Vietnamese had actually fired upon the U.S.

These are actual naval charts used to track the Gulf of Tonkin Incident.

Image of a chart of the naval travel of the ships in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Source: Chart, NH96351, Navy History & Heritage Command

Outline map of the Gulf of Tonkin. There are lines indicating the travel of US ships during the Gulf of Tonkin incident.

Source: NH96350-Track of USS Maddox and USS Turner Joy, 3-5 August 1964, Navy History & Heritage Command

Map of the Gulf of Tonkin. There are lines indicating the travel of US ships during the Gulf of Tonkin incident.

Source: Maddox Tonkin 1, Wikipedia

Image of Robert McNamara pointing to a map of Vietnam at press conference.

Source: cph.3c34155, Library of Congress

In response to these two incidents, President Johnson authorized retaliatory strikes against the North Vietnamese, where the US Navy damaged many North Vietnamese resources. On August 7, 1964, the US Congress passed the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, giving President Johnson authority to use military force as he saw fit.

Watch the following news report from President Johnson as he informs the nation:

Source: Lyndon Johnson-report on the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, MCamerican, YouTube

Answer the following question in your notes:

Imagine that you have just learned about the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. Based on what you have learned about the incident, you must decide if the US should engage in war with Vietnam. The senator is busy with deciding what to do about this incident so write a quick note to him that explains your opinion. To convince him of your decision, use details from the incident.

Image of Ralph Yarborough

Source: Y000006-Ralph Yarborough, Library of Congress