Question

Why did Johnson decide to escalate the war? (Check all that apply)

a) To prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.
b) To fulfill campaign promises made during his election.
c) To respond to the Gulf of Tonkin incident.
d) To gain support from anti-communist allies.
e) To ensure the security of the United States.

Answer 1

Johnson escalated the Vietnam War to prevent the spread of communism as part of the domino theory, to respond to the Gulf of Tonkin incident, and to ensure US security by opposing the communist threat. Option A, C and E are correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

President Lyndon Johnson decided to escalate the war in Vietnam for several reasons:

• To prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, as part of the domino theory which posited that if one country fell to Communism, others would follow.
• To respond to the Gulf of Tonkin incident, where North Vietnamese boats engaged a U.S. destroyer, which provided Johnson with a pretext for escalation and congressional authority to respond militarily.
• The need to ensure the security of the United States by showing resolve against the perceived threat of Communism.

Actions following the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution included the approval of aerial attacks against military targets and the deployment of US troops, which grew significantly in number by the end of 1965.