Legislation
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution passed in 1964, authorized U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson to use military force in Southeast Asia. The Resolution was repealed in 1971, however, and President Richard M. Nixon cited his power as commander-in-chief of U.S. forces under Article Two of the United States Constitution as legal authority for operations in Vietnam. No formal declaration of war was ever made.
The Vietnam War may not have been the direct cause of these new legislations, but they probably heavily influenced them. For the first example, the 24th Amendment tried to end discrimination in our federal elections. Several southern states required a poll tax when voting. This was especially harmful and discouraged poor African American’s from voting. In 1964, the amendment was ratified. If we were going to draft African American’s, then they should not be discouraged to vote for their leaders.
The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18. Many believed if our young men could be drafted at 18, then they should be able to vote for their leaders.
Also in 1964, The Civil Rights Act was passed. Vietnam brought out movements where many people protested. The undeclared war that many thought was an unjust got people riled up. In doing so, the civil rights of people were questioned. This resulted in a huge movement and this act was passed.
And finally, the War Powers Act was passed in 1973 as a result of many believing President Johnson abused the Tonkin Gulf Resolution. This act basically overturned the Resolution.
The Vietnam War may not have been the direct cause of these new legislations, but they probably heavily influenced them. For the first example, the 24th Amendment tried to end discrimination in our federal elections. Several southern states required a poll tax when voting. This was especially harmful and discouraged poor African American’s from voting. In 1964, the amendment was ratified. If we were going to draft African American’s, then they should not be discouraged to vote for their leaders.
The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18. Many believed if our young men could be drafted at 18, then they should be able to vote for their leaders.
Also in 1964, The Civil Rights Act was passed. Vietnam brought out movements where many people protested. The undeclared war that many thought was an unjust got people riled up. In doing so, the civil rights of people were questioned. This resulted in a huge movement and this act was passed.
And finally, the War Powers Act was passed in 1973 as a result of many believing President Johnson abused the Tonkin Gulf Resolution. This act basically overturned the Resolution.