Imagine you are an advisor for a sitting US president. You have just received word that three small boats appear to have attacke
d a US port. The president wants to retaliate, but you think more evidence is needed before US forces attack. What historical event could you reference to support your case best?
The Gulf of Tonkin incident was an important incident that led to the United States becoming more directly involved in the Vietnam War. The confrontation involved North Vietnam and the United States in the Gulf of Tonkin. At first, the United States had reported two attacks, and it also had blamed them on North Vietnam. However, as more facts were gathered, there was a widespread belief that at least one, if not both of the attacks were false. The same incident could take place in this example, unless enough information is gathered.
