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Speculative theory
Gulf TonkinAtlas
Historical Events · Wars & war pretexts
U.S. destroyer USS Maddox engaged North Vietnamese motor torpedo boats in the Gulf of Tonkin. A second alleged attack on U.S. naval forces in the Gulf of Tonkin was reported by U.S. officials and used to justify expanded military authority.
Open the caseTonkin Gulf Resolution2
- Documented · The National Archives holds and has exhibited the Tonkin Gulf Resolution as a milestone U.S. government document.
- Documented · The U.S. Congress approved a joint resolution known as the Tonkin Gulf Resolution authorizing the president to take measures to maintain international peace and security in Southeast Asia.
Edwin E. Moise1
- Documented · Edwin E. Moise produced a detailed historical study of the Tonkin Gulf events and their role in Vietnam War escalation.
Gulf of Tonkin1
- Contested · A second alleged attack on U.S. naval forces in the Gulf of Tonkin was reported by U.S. officials and used to justify expanded military authority.
Lyndon B. Johnson1
- Documented · President Lyndon B. Johnson publicly addressed the nation concerning reported attacks in the Gulf of Tonkin.
National Security Agency1
- Official · NSA-related materials and presidential tape recordings concerning the Gulf of Tonkin have been released and used by researchers examining official accounts.
USS Maddox1
- Documented · U.S. destroyer USS Maddox engaged North Vietnamese motor torpedo boats in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Vietnam War1
- Documented · The Gulf of Tonkin episode was cited in the escalation of U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War.
Other1
- Contested · Later historical scholarship and declassified intelligence materials have disputed whether a second North Vietnamese attack occurred as initially described.