1964: The Most Significant Events During The Vietnam War

The year 1964 is a very important date on the Cold War timeline, for one simple reason; this was the year that many attribute to be the beginning of the Vietnam War. 1964 was the year that two events took place that are responsible for pulling America into a total war with Northern Vietnam, allegedly to prevent the spread of Communism in Asia and to avenge the before mentioned attacks. The media's reporting and reaction to the event played a big part in the effect it had on our people and course of history, honest or dishonest as it maybe have been.

On August 2, 1964, The U.S. Maddox sailed into the Gulf of Tonkin in order to perform a DESOTO patrol; essentially gathering intelligence on Northern Vietnam's naval strength. According to the official statement given by the government, the U.S. Maddox spotted three torpedo boats belonging to the Viet Cong following their movements; and intercepted communications by them stating intention to attack the U.S. Maddox. In response the U.S. Maddox fired three warning shots in the general direction of the three vessels. In response to this the vessels allegedly opened fire with both machineguns and torpedoes (all of
The events that transpired on August 2 and 4th of that year would spark outrage within American leadership and the American people at large, and drag us into one of the bloodiest wars in our history. The media's support at the time for retaliation is now considered by many to be dishonest, while many go as far as to claim there was a full scale cover up of what had actually happened at seas. The media's reaction was a product of the time however, displaying our fear and rivalry with communism and the absurd ends we would go to in order to fight the spread of it no matter the cost; especially with the eagerness McNamara urged President Johnson to escalate in