I NEED HELP Naval units of the Communist regime in Vietnam . . . have deliberately and repeatedly attacked United States naval vessels lawfully present in international waters, and have thereby created a serious threat to international peace. . . .

. . . These attacks are part of a deliberate and systematic campaign of aggression that the Communist regime in North Vietnam has been waging against its neighbors and the nations joined with them in the collective defense of their freedom. . . .

Resolved . . . 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. . . .

. . . The United States is, therefore, prepared, as the President determines, to take all necessary steps, including the use of armed force, to assist any member or protocol state of the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty requesting assistance in defense of its freedom.

–Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964)

How did Congress justify the use of American armed forces to assist the South Vietnamese? Check all that apply.

The North Vietnamese have attacked US naval vessels.
The use of armed forces will likely prevent more aggression from the North.
The actions of the North Vietnamese are a threat to international peace.
The South Vietnamese do not have adequate defense systems.
The spread of communism is quickening due to the success of the North Vietnamese attacks.