Tombrello640
Answered

Which Vietnam policy came first in the Johnson Administration? Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Tet Offensive Operation Rolling Thunder Vietnamization



Answer :

Vuk15
The correct answer is the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This was a resolution that was made in 1964 to ensure that the US army can participate in actions worldwide if the president determines that there is need to act. It established that the army can go and fight wars even without the consent of the congress, if certain conditions were met. Many opposed this because they believed that the presidents could exploit this to their personal gain.
MrZieleniewo

Correct answer:  Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Dates of the items listed:

  • Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: 1964
  • Operation Rolling Thunder:  1965-1968
  • Tet Offensive:  1968
  • Vietnamization:  began 1969, under Nixon Administration

Further detail on Gulf of Tonkin Resolution:

The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, passed by Congress in August, 1964, after alleged attacks on two US naval ships in the Gulf of Tonkin.  The key wording in the resolution said:

  • Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the Congress approves and supports the determination of the President, as Commander in Chief, to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression.

That resolution served as a blank check for President Johnson to send troops to whatever extent he deemed necessary in pursuance of the war.  Between 1964 and the end of Johnson's presidency in 1969, US troop levels in Vietnam increased from around 20,000 to over 500,000.

Other Questions