Everything Everywhere Daily The Gulf of Tonkin Incident (Encore)
Jul 11, 2025
In August 1964, a pivotal incident off North Vietnam triggered a major shift in U.S. military involvement. Alleged confrontations between U.S. Navy vessels and North Vietnamese ships led to significant escalations in foreign policy. The discussion reveals how misinformation and key decisions influenced public perception and policy. The consequences rippled through history, reshaping military engagement laws and political landscape. Notable figures like McNamara and Ellsberg play crucial roles in the narrative surrounding this dramatic moment.
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Minor First Gulf Incident
- The August 2nd Gulf of Tonkin incident was minor with no casualties or significant damage.
- It involved a brief exchange between USS Maddox and North Vietnamese torpedo boats in international waters.
Controversial Second Attack
- The August 4th alleged attack had no visual confirmation and happened during poor weather and radar malfunctions.
- Despite no confirmed attack, the event prompted President Johnson to seek broad military authority from Congress.
No Attack On August 4th
- There was no attack on August 4th; reports of sonar and radar contacts were misinterpretations.
- Commander James Stockdale confirmed no enemy boats were present, calling it 'American firepower' against phantom targets.
