National Security Council Discusses Vietnam Bombing Plan

November 28th, 1964

November 28th, 1964

National Security Council Discusses Vietnam Bombing Plan
How Long Ago?

60 years, 3 months, 15 days ago

Location

Washington, D.C., United States

Category

Military & Warfare

War/Conflict

Vietnam War

People
  • Lyndon B. Johnson
  • Robert McNamara
  • McGeorge Bundy
Links & References
Tags

National Security Council Discusses Vietnam Bombing Plan

Members of the National Security Council met to discuss and endorse a strategic recommendation for President Lyndon B. Johnson that called for a two-stage escalation of U.S. bombing campaigns in North Vietnam. This meeting involved key figures in national security and military strategy at the height of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. The recommendation aimed to increase pressure on North Vietnam to stop its support for insurgency in South Vietnam, reflecting a shift towards more aggressive military tactics in the region as the conflict intensified.

NSC meeting focused on Vietnam strategy

Recommendation for two-stage bombing campaign

Involved key figures in U.S. security

Set the stage for greater military involvement

What Happened?

On November 28, 1964, members of the National Security Council convened to discuss the ongoing conflict in Vietnam and to propose a significant escalation of U.S. military involvement. Under the leadership of President Lyndon B. Johnson, the council deliberated on a plan that suggested a two-stage bombing escalation targeting North Vietnam. The discussions were fueled by the growing concern over the increasing influence of communist forces in Southeast Asia and the perceived necessity to bolster U.S. intervention to support the government in South Vietnam. Key military and diplomatic advisors highlighted the need for an assertive response to North Vietnam’s activities, including its support for the Viet Cong insurgency in the south.

The proposed two-stage plan sought to first conduct limited airstrikes, followed by more intensive bombing if necessary. As tensions escalated, the council aimed to demonstrate U.S. commitment to containing communism, which was a cornerstone of American foreign policy during the Cold War. The meeting included significant figures such as Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara and National Security Adviser McGeorge Bundy, who were instrumental in shaping the administration's response to the Vietnam crisis.

This strategic recommendation would later pave the way for increased military operations in Vietnam, influencing the direction of American involvement in the region for years to come. The outcomes of this meeting were pivotal, leading to decisions that would escalate the conflict dramatically during the years that followed, contributing to broader national debates about military engagement and foreign policy strategies.

Why Does it Matter?

The National Security Council's decision to recommend an escalation of bombing campaigns in North Vietnam had profound and lasting effects on the Vietnam War. It marked a critical turning point in U.S. military policy, leading to increased troop deployments and heightened conflict in the region. The shift to a more aggressive bombing strategy illustrated the U.S. commitment to combating communism and would significantly alter the course of the war. This moment is interesting as it encapsulates the broader Cold War context, reflecting how geopolitical concerns shaped the decisions that ultimately resulted in extensive military engagement and public discourse around foreign policy in the United States.

Discover More Historic Events from November 28th

Military & Warfare

Massacre of Civilians in Aksum, Ethiopia

November 28th, 2020 4 years ago

In Aksum, Ethiopia, over seven hundred civilians were killed by the Ethiopian National Defense Force and the Eritrean Army. The incident took place amid ongoing conflicts that erupted in the Tigray region. The motivations behind the attack remain tied to the larger context of the Tigray War, where political and ethnic tensions have escalated since the outbreak of hostilities.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

LaMia Flight 2933 Fatal Crash in Colombia

November 28th, 2016 8 years ago

LaMia Flight 2933, a chartered aircraft, crashed near Medellin, Colombia, during its approach to José María Córdova International Airport. The plane was carrying 77 people, including a majority of the Brazilian football club Chapecoense, who were en route to the Copa Sudamericana final. The crash occurred after the aircraft ran out of fuel, leading to a catastrophic loss of control before impact. Despite the heroic efforts of rescue teams, 71 of the 77 occupants lost their lives.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Violent Attack on Kano Central Mosque

November 28th, 2014 10 years ago

Gunmen attacked the central mosque in Kano, Nigeria, detonating three bombs during Friday prayers, resulting in the deaths of at least 120 people. The assault took place amid rising violence attributed to Boko Haram, which has targeted places of worship. Survivors described scenes of chaos as worshippers scrambled for safety amid the explosions, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the city in recent years. Security concerns were heightened as the attackers targeted a fundamental religious gathering during a pivotal time for the Muslim community.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Suicide Bombing at Mombasa Hotel

November 28th, 2002 22 years ago

In Mombasa, Kenya, suicide bombers attacked an Israeli-owned hotel, killing and injuring numerous people. Concurrently, their accomplices attempted to shoot down Arkia Israel Airlines Flight 582 with surface-to-air missiles, highlighting a failed effort to target Israeli tourists. This incident occurred amidst rising tensions related to global terrorism and regional conflicts.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

South Ossetia's Declaration of Independence

November 28th, 1991 33 years ago

On November 28, 1991, South Ossetia, a region in Georgia, declared independence following a referendum. This move came amid political turmoil in Georgia after the Soviet Union's dissolution. The declaration was influenced by longstanding ethnic tensions between Ossetians and Georgians, exacerbated by the power vacuum and instability in the region. The political maneuvers were echoed in both regional and international forums, leading to a complex geopolitical situation.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Margaret Thatcher Resigns as Prime Minister

November 28th, 1990 34 years ago

Margaret Thatcher announced her resignation as leader of the Conservative Party, leading to her departure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Her leadership, which had begun in 1979, faced intense scrutiny as party divisions widened and public support dwindled. Ironically, her final public appearance was at a Conservative Party gathering in the House of Commons, where she confirmed her decision. John Major was subsequently elected as her successor, marking a significant transition in British politics.

Continue Reading