Vietnam War: Escalation under LBJ How does the US escalate the War in Vietnam?

Gulf of Tonkin Incident Aug 2 1964: USS Maddox is fired upon in Tonkin Gulf, slight damage Two days later in bad weather, USS Turner Joy is allegedly attacked LBJ asks Congress to pass Gulf of Tonkin Resolution – gives LBJ power to what ever he needs in Vietnam LBJ launches bombing campaign, Operation Rolling Thunder in NV

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Document 1 – Seats 1 & 3 What happened to the Maddux and what was the military response? What would be an appropriate response from Secretary McNamara? Document 2 – Seats 2 & 4 3. What does Congress say about the government of North Vietnam? 4. What power does congress give the President, why and for how long? 5. (both) Was this an appropriate response by Congress? What could be a positive & negative outcome?

Westmoreland’s strategy for victory in Vietnam includes: Search & Destroy (1964-1968) 1964: General Westmoreland tours S. Vietnam, unimpressed by S. Vietnamese Army (ARVN) wants more US troops LBJ, Secy of State Rusk, and Secy of Defense McNamara agree, 180K US combat troops sent SV Westmoreland’s strategy for victory in Vietnam includes: War of attrition, high body counts to demoralize enemy Search & destroy missions to find & kill VC, while winning the “hearts & minds” of Vietnamese villagers