Question

What was the major provision of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution?

Answer 1

The Major province of the Gulf of Tonkin resolution was to empower President Johnson to take any necessary steps, which were required to bring security and peace in the South East Asia, not only nationally, but also internationally. The resolution was passed by the Congress in 1964.

Answer 2

Answer: The major provision was authorization for the US President to do what he felt necessary to bring peace to Southeast Asia.

Detail:

The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was a measure passed by US Congress that allowed the US President to make military actions, like increase troops, without formal declaration of war.  It led to huge escalation of US involvement in the Vietnam War. The resolution was passed by Congress in August, 1964, after alleged attacks on two US naval ships in the Gulf of Tonkin.  The key wording in the resolution said:

• Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the Congress approves and supports the determination of the President, as Commander in Chief, to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression.

That resolution served as a blank check for President Johnson to send troops to whatever extent he deemed necessary in pursuance of the war.  Between 1964 and the end of Johnson's presidency in 1969, US troop levels in Vietnam increased from around 20,000 to over 500,000.