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The Outbreak of the Vietnam War

Page history last edited by Mr. Hengsterman 10 years, 11 months ago

Ngo Dinh Diem

Diem was the first president of South Vietnam (1955–1963). In the wake of the French withdrawal from Indochina as a result of the 1954 Geneva Accords, Diệm led the effort to create the Republic of Vietnam. Accruing considerable U.S. support due to his staunch anti-Communism, he achieved victory in a 1955 plebiscite that was widely considered fraudulent.

1. In 1955 Diem refused to make preparations for promised elections. The U.S. supported him, since they expected that Ho would win any genuine elections overwhelmingly.

2. The Diem government became very unpopular because:

- A Catholic, he discriminated against Buddhists, who made up 75% of the population
- He blocked demands for land reform that was being carried out under Ho
- His regime was notoriously corrupt and ruled the country as a family property

- He was seen as an American puppet

- Diem accused his opponents of being communists and imposed a police state.

3. In 1960 various groups, including communists and former Vietminh, formed the National Liberation Front (NLF), known by the Americans as Vietcong, to demand a democratic coalition which would negotiate a peaceful union of Vietnam. When this was refused, a guerrilla war began in the South, waged by the Vietcong, who attacked government buildings. Buddhists monks burned themselves alive in protest of Diem's regime .

4. Traditionally, the South supplied the north with food. Diem refused to do this.

5. President Kennedy sent 16,000 advisers to assist Diem, together with military equipment.

6. As in Korea, the Americans tried to involve their allies. Only Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and the Philippines ever sent troops.

7. Local Peasants were moved en masse into so-called "fortified villages" where they could be controlled by the ARVN.These were in effect concentration camps.

8. The Vietcong signed out govern't officials for attack

9. The Vietcong were supplied by the North Vietnam, since it was clear that the only way that the promised lections could be held was by overthrowing Diem and explelling the Americans