Lyndon B. Johnson escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War after assuming the presidency in 1963. The Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964 led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, granting Johnson broad powers to use military force in Vietnam. This marked a turning point, and U.S. troop levels increased significantly. The war became increasingly controversial, contributing to Johnson's decision not to seek re-election in 1968.
Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) assumed the presidency of the United States on November 22, 1963, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. At that time, the United States was already involved in Vietnam, providing military assistance and advisory support to the South Vietnamese government in its struggle against the communist forces of North Vietnam.
Johnson continued and escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War during his presidency. The Gulf of Tonkin incident in August 1964 played a significant role in the escalation. Following reported attacks on U.S. Navy destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, granting Johnson the authority to use military force in Vietnam. This resolution marked a turning point, giving the president broad powers to escalate the conflict without a formal declaration of war.
Over the next few years, U.S. troop levels in Vietnam increased significantly. The Johnson administration's policies faced growing opposition at home, with protests and anti-war sentiments becoming more widespread. The war continued to escalate, reaching its peak in terms of U.S. troop levels in the late 1960s.
The Vietnam War was a highly controversial and divisive conflict, and it had a profound impact on both the United States and Vietnam. It ultimately became a central issue during Johnson's presidency and contributed to his decision not to seek re-election in 1968.
The probable complete quesion could be "What actions did President Lyndon B. Johnson take regarding the Vietnam War after assuming office, and how did the Gulf of Tonkin incident contribute to the escalation of U.S. involvement in Vietnam during his presidency?"