Because North Vietnamese Navy (NVN) torpedo boats attacked the USN destroyer USS Maddox on 02 August 1964. Then, allegedly again on the 4th. The resolution occurred shortly afterwards.
The first attack did happen, it was in fact a sea battle between the NVN & USN.
The second attack may have been a mis-understanding coupled with a radar malfunction with one or more of the destroyers.
I've heard it didn't happen to begin with
Tonkin Gulf ships were attacked ( this was LBJ who made it up).
The date of the Tonkin Gulf Resolution was August 7th, 1964.
It caused President Johnson to send more troops to Vietnam.
This incident resulted in the U.S. pursuing military action in Vietnam. It also caused the passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution regarding the U.S. aiding Asian countries influenced by communism. Ultimately, this incident resulted in the Vietnam War.
Because this naval battle (incident) was responsible for open warfare between the US and North Vietnam.
NATO existed well before the Tonkin Gulf incident.
Tonkin Gulf ships were attacked ( this was LBJ who made it up).
Tonkin Gulf Incident
The Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson
The date of the Tonkin Gulf Resolution was August 7th, 1964.
North Vietnam.
Started a war between North Vietnam and the US.
The Gulf of Tonkin "Incident".
North Viet Navy vs US Navy.
The big one was the Tonkin Gulf Incident.