Question

How did the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution affect US involvement in the Vietnam war?
A. It sent the first US troops to Vietnam, thus establishing a precedent.
B. It authorized Operation Rolling Thunder, which led to more troop involvement.
C. It gave the president the ability to send troops without congressional approval.
D. It declared war, making the commitment of US troops necessary.

Answer 1

The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution authorized President Lyndon Johnson to “take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression” by the communist government of North Vietnam.

Explanation:

Answer 2

c. It gave the president the ability to send troops without congressional approval.

Explanation:

• In August 1964, The Gulf of Tonkin Settlement was focused on claims that North Vietnam had carried out a series of unprovoked assaults on American ships in foreign waters.
• Lyndon B Johnson (the then US President) requested approval from Congress to take the appropriate measures to react. Just two Representatives of Congress voted against it. It offered Johnson a free hand to expand military action in Vietnam and the need to declare war, which will in effect need approval from the Senate.
• It was later revealed that most of the charges were baseless. This was revealed in the Pentagon papers.