Question

Why was the word "escalation" used by critics of the Vietnam War?

Answer 1

Because LBJ, under the Tolkien Resolution, was given basically infinite power to protect U.S interests in Vietnam. Thus, President Johnson continued to "escalate", or build up American forces, weapons, and intervention in Vietnam. Now, somewhat opposite of this would be "Vietnamization" under Nixon, which was the gradual withdrawal of American troops but a continuation of supplies in order to aid South Vietnam from the Vietcong.