What actionn did president johnson have regarding america's involvement in the vietnam war?

History · High School · Sun Jan 24 2021

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President Lyndon B. Johnson was deeply involved in America's commitment to the Vietnam War, significantly escalating U.S. involvement during his presidency:

  1. Escalation of Troop Deployment: Johnson dramatically increased the number of American troops deployed to Vietnam. In 1965, he ordered a substantial escalation, committing ground combat troops to the conflict. This decision marked a significant shift from the previous policy of limited involvement to a full-scale military commitment.
  2. Authorization for Military Action: Under Johnson's leadership, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964, granting the president broad powers to take military action in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war. This resolution served as the legal basis for the escalation of U.S. involvement in the conflict.
  3. Intensification of Bombing Campaigns: Johnson ordered extensive aerial bombing campaigns, including Operation Rolling Thunder, which aimed to weaken North Vietnamese infrastructure and military capabilities. The bombings expanded over time and were among the most intensive in modern warfare history.
  4. Support for South Vietnam: Johnson continued the policy of supporting the South Vietnamese government in its fight against communist forces in North Vietnam and the Viet Cong insurgents in the South.
  5. Involvement in Negotiations: While escalating military action, Johnson also sought diplomatic solutions and participated in negotiations, including attempts to seek peace talks to end the conflict. However, a lasting resolution was not achieved during his presidency.

Overall, Johnson's administration significantly escalated America's involvement in the Vietnam War, leading to a prolonged and divisive conflict that continued beyond his presidency and became one of the most controversial episodes in American history.