Analysis Of Richard Russell, The Gulf Of Tonkin Incident, And The Vietnam War

Richard Russell was a steadfast individual who believed that the United States should not support, or even attempt to enter into any kind of conflict without direct provocation or dire need of American intervention. This mindset played a major role in influencing his decisions on foreign policy issues such as the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, and the Vietnam War. Since there was what seemed to him a lack of antagonization on the part of the Vietnamese towards the United States, he believed that it would be a waste of money, time, and American lives to enter into a conflict that would bring no benefits to the United States. Russell being as adamant as he was, would make this point to his long time friend Lyndon Johnson on multiple occasions in an attempt to sway him from getting the United States involved. His attempt at swaying his long time friend from war would prove

This shows that not only did Russell not feel intimidated by LBJ, but LBJ welcomed Russell’s opinions. Even though LBJ welcomes Russell as an advisor, in this tape LBJ is questioning sending American troops into Vietnam because even the loss of one American life is a loss. Looking back on the situation, although LBJ was wary about becoming more involved in the war and Russell argued why America should not get involved, LBJ did not take Russell’s opinion and inevitably sent American troops in. Thus, it can be assessed that President Johnson is interested in hearing Russell’s opinions but is still stubborn because he argues that other individuals are not in his position. Russell disagreed with entering Vietnam because he believed the Vietnamese were not doing much to help themselves and thus, did not deserve American help. However, he believed that if the President put American troops in Vietnam then the nation becomes involved and the war needs to be one by extensive military