Tonkin gulf incident
In August of 1964, an unprovoked attack from a Vietnam ship launched on an U.S. ship in the Gulf of Tonkin. The United States thought the Vietnam cruiser was attacking the stationed P.T. boats. Since, the U.S. always thought if a country attacks you then you go into war. The attack, the United States used as an excuse into war.
President Johnson signed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution on August 7th, 1964. This resolution authorized LBJ to "take all necessary measures" to repeal any attacks onto the U.S. and to oppose any forms of aggression. The resolution passed through the House anonymously. The document also, allowed Johnson to rule out all war against North Vietnam; without securing a formal war declaration.
President Johnson signed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution on August 7th, 1964. This resolution authorized LBJ to "take all necessary measures" to repeal any attacks onto the U.S. and to oppose any forms of aggression. The resolution passed through the House anonymously. The document also, allowed Johnson to rule out all war against North Vietnam; without securing a formal war declaration.
Gulf of tonkin LBJ explains why we are fighting!
LBJ explained "most of the non-communist nations of Asia cannot, by themselves resist the growing power of asian communism". He explains that out power, or our shield is a vital key. He asks the question- "If our nation is driven from Vietnam how can we be confident"? In Asia each land would be less independent and weakened.