Historical Events tagged with "military"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Congress Passes Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

August 7th, 1964 60 years ago

In response to alleged attacks on U.S. naval vessels by North Vietnamese forces, the U.S. Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This resolution granted President Lyndon B. Johnson broad authority to use military force in Southeast Asia without a formal declaration of war. The vote followed the controversial incidents in the Gulf of Tonkin that reportedly involved U.S. destroyers, leading to heightened tensions between the U.S. and North Vietnam. The resolution significantly escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

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Military & Warfare

Operation Pierce Arrow Bombs North Vietnam

August 5th, 1964 60 years ago

American aircraft from USS Ticonderoga and USS Constellation bombed North Vietnam as retaliation for attacks on U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin. This operation marked a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in Vietnam, occurring in the context of rising tensions and naval skirmishes in the region. The strikes targeted military installations and were part of a broader strategy to demonstrate U.S. resolve against North Vietnamese aggression.

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Military & Warfare

USS Maddox and Turner Joy Report Attack

August 4th, 1964 60 years ago

In the Gulf of Tonkin, the USS Maddox and USS Turner Joy reported being attacked by North Vietnamese forces, which later turned out to be a false alarm. This incident significantly escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam, raising tensions in the region and leading to further military actions.

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Military & Warfare

Increase of U.S. Military Advisers in Vietnam

July 27th, 1964 60 years ago

Five thousand additional American military advisers were sent to South Vietnam, raising the total number of U.S. forces to 21,000. This escalation was part of the United States' commitment to support the South Vietnamese government against the communist forces during the escalating conflict in Vietnam. The increase marked a pivotal moment in U.S. involvement in the region as tensions grew amidst the Cold War and the fight against the spread of communism.

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Military & Warfare

Viet Cong Assaults Cái Bè, Casualties Rise

July 20th, 1964 60 years ago

On July 20, 1964, Viet Cong forces launched a violent attack in Cái Bè, Định Tường Province, targeting South Vietnamese military personnel and civilians. The assault resulted in the deaths of 11 military personnel and 40 civilians, including 30 children, highlighting the brutal impact of the ongoing conflict in Vietnam. This incident represented the increasing aggressiveness of the Viet Cong in the region during a crucial period of the Vietnam War.

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Politics & Government

Nguyễn Khánh Advocates War Expansion

July 19th, 1964 60 years ago

In Saigon, South Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Khánh called for the escalation of military operations against North Vietnam during a rally. This occurred in the context of increasing tensions and the growing insurgency from the North. At the rally, Khánh urged for expanded military action to counter the communist threat. His speech highlighted the urgency felt by South Vietnam as they faced challenges from the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese army.

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Military & Warfare

USNS Card Sunk by Viet Cong Bombers

May 2nd, 1964 60 years ago

The USNS Card, an American aircraft carrier, was sunk at its berth in Saigon due to an explosion caused by Viet Cong combat swimmers who had affixed explosives to its hull. This bold attack highlighted the increasing tensions in Vietnam and the capabilities of the Viet Cong forces. Remarkably, the vessel was raised and returned to active duty less than seven months later.

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Politics & Government

Unified Defence Council Replaces Admiralty and War Office

April 1st, 1964 61 years ago

The British Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry were replaced by a unified Defence Council to enhance the military's strategic direction. This change aimed to streamline decision-making and improve coordination among the armed forces. The restructuring attempted to address inefficiencies and ensure a cohesive approach across the branches of the military. The adjustment underscored the evolving nature of modern warfare and the need for a more integrated defense system.

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Politics & Government

Olímpio Mourão Filho Leads Troops to Rio

March 31st, 1964 61 years ago

General Olímpio Mourão Filho ordered his troops to advance towards Rio de Janeiro, marking the initial stages of a military coup that would overthrow President João Goulart. This military action was fueled by growing fears of communism and political unrest within Brazil, prompting the military to intervene. The coup was supported by sectors of Brazilian society and backed by the United States, leading to a prolonged dictatorship that lasted for over two decades.

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