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.
Click on North and South to learn more.
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.
Source: Vietnam, Central Intelligence Agency
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.
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.
Source: Chart, NH96351, Navy History & Heritage Command
Source: NH96350-Track of USS Maddox and USS Turner Joy, 3-5 August 1964, Navy History & Heritage Command
Source: Maddox Tonkin 1, Wikipedia
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.
Source: Y000006-Ralph Yarborough, Library of Congress