Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Also called the USS Maddox Incident, the Gulf of Tonkin Incident was named for two separate confrontations between the US and North Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin. The USS Maddox, and American destroyer engaged three Vietnamese torpedo boats on August 2nd, 1964, leading to a sea battle which both sides with damage and casualties for the Vietnamese. The National Security Agency claimed the second incident occurred on August 4th, but it is possible it was just Tonkin Ghosts (false radar images) rather than another sea battle. This incident led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution to be passed by Congress. This gave President Johnson the authority to help any Southeast Asian country defeat communism. Legally, Johnson was now able to justify open warfare against North Vietnam.
Although I believe the US should help other struggling countries, I don't think it's right to declare open warfare on a country because of its leaders. There are too many civilians caught in the crossfire.
Although I believe the US should help other struggling countries, I don't think it's right to declare open warfare on a country because of its leaders. There are too many civilians caught in the crossfire.
The My Lai Massacre
On March 16, 1968, US soldiers attacked hundreds of unarmed civilians in South Vietnam. Between 347 and 504 civilians were killed, including men, women, children, and infants. Some reports say that many of the women were gang-raped and mutilated. Although 26 soldiers were arrested, only one was convicted and served only 3 and a half years of his 22 years, on house arrest. Three men who had tried to stop the massacre and protect the injured were denounced as traitors and received hate mail, death threats, and mutilated animals on their doorsteps.This massacre was successfully covered up for 18 months, but once the American public found out about the incident, they were outraged. Support for the war nearly disappeared.
I had actually never heard of this incident until now. I am infuriated and disgusted that American soldiers were involved in such foul actions. I now have even less support for the Vietnam war.
I had actually never heard of this incident until now. I am infuriated and disgusted that American soldiers were involved in such foul actions. I now have even less support for the Vietnam war.
The Antiwar Movement
American involvement in Vietnam was a hotly debated subject. The US quickly became polarized with many wholeheartedly backing the military, while the other half vehemently opposed the war. The movement included both peaceful gatherings and violent, bloody protests. Some men burned their draft cards, and one pacifist even set herself on fire to fight the war.
I don't believe the US was justified in sending troops to Vietnam, since the damage seems to outweigh the progress made. If I had been alive in that time, I would have protested the war as well.
I don't believe the US was justified in sending troops to Vietnam, since the damage seems to outweigh the progress made. If I had been alive in that time, I would have protested the war as well.