Forgotten Events in American History: A Hidden Past

Introduction to Forgotten American History

Introduction

Amidst the grand narratives and well-known events of American history, there exist several events that have either been forgotten or suppressed by mainstream historical discourse. These incidents, while not mere tales of the impossible, remain shrouded in obscurity, often relegated to footnotes if documented at all. Today, we delve into some of these fascinating events that, had they occurred, could have drastically altered the trajectory of American history.

Alleged Second Night of Gulf of Tonkin Incident

The Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964)

One of the most controversial and controversially misunderstood events in American history is the alleged second night of attacks in the Gulf of Tonkin. On August 2, 1964, the alleged incidents occurred, and on the following day, the USS Maddox reported that it had been harassed by North Vietnamese PT boats. This incident was followed by the overt military escalation that led to the Vietnam War.

Suppressed Evidence and Misunderstanding

Subsequent reviews and declassified documents have cast doubt on the veracity of these reports. President Johnson claimed that a second attack did occur on August 4, 1964, which led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, granting him power to escalate military involvement in Vietnam. However, a 2014 review by the House Armed Services Committee concluded that no second attack had indeed occurred, suggesting the reports were exaggerated.

Annexation of Cuba: A Missed Opportunity

Manifest Destiny and the Desire for Cuba

In the mid-19th century, the United States faced a strong movement for the annexation of Cuba, fueled by the ideals of Manifest Destiny. Southern states, eager to increase their slaveholdings, saw Cuba as a valuable addition to the United States. By 1852, President Franklin Pierce even had a paragraph prepared to support this idea during his inaugural address. However, a heavy freezing rain interrupted the speech, rendering the plan forgotten.

The Ostend Manifesto and American Ambitions

In 1854, James Buchanan and other American ambassadors signed the Ostend Manifesto, declaring that the United States had the right to acquire Cuba, even by force. The document was famously ridiculed, with Buchanan himself remaining unaffected in his presidential ambitions. Sam Houston, a proponent of the plan, hoped for a distraction to prevent secession, but the plan ultimately failed to materialize.

Cuba and the Platt Amendment

By 1898, the United States had finally sent troops to Cuba, albeit with the cooperation of Cuban rebels fighting against the Spanish. The Platt Amendment, added to the Cuban constitution, allowed for U.S. intervention in Cuban affairs if necessary, but many Cubans saw this as a form of imperial control. Cuba remained free from annexation, though the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base embodies the ongoing American military presence.

Conclusion: Understanding the Complexity of Historical Narratives

Conclusion

These events, while not realized, offer a window into the complex, often contradictory nature of American history. They challenge the notion that history is a straightforward, continuous progression, revealing the hidden narratives and suppressed voices that shape the past. Understanding these events is crucial for a more nuanced and comprehensive view of American history.