Failed Rules Of Diem Flashcards
Post Geneva Prime Minister of DRV
DRV = Democratic Republic of Vietnam
Pham Van Dong
Post Geneva - South Vietnam
Ngo Dinh Diem
In July 1954
Why US chose Diem
- Diem was from a ruling class family with a political background
- Diem was a Nationalist who had historically opposed the French and Japanese
- Staunchly anti-communist
- Catholic who had trained as a priest
How did Diem come into power
The ruthlessness that Diem showed early on in his rule caused concern for the Emperor Bao Dai who asked him to resign.
In response to this Diem held an election to determine who should rule South Vietnam. The US informed Diem to claim 60-70% of the vote however Diem rigged the elections and subsequently recieved 98.2% of the vote
Diem Personality - Nepotistic
The practice of people in power privileging friends and family. Diem’s rule was characterised by nepotism as he placed family members in control of South Vietnam.
- Ngo Dinh Nhu
- Ngo Dinh Thuc
- Madame Nhu
Diem Personality - Unpopular
Immediately Diem proved unpopular with peasants. He raised taxes on them to fight against communist influence in the South.
He also replaced the democratically elected village chiefs with his own representatives from Saigon.
Diem Personality - Ruthless
Diem and his family had complete control of the political system and were ruthless against anyone who was percieved opposition to the government.
Anyone who was thought to be communist was arrested or killed under law. Between 1955-57 an estimated 12,000 alleged communists were killed. By the end of 1961 over 159,000 political prisoners were held in a system of established concentration camps. 16,000 villages were destroyed upon suspicion of being communist.
Diem Personality - US Backed
A large part of Diem’s success as a ruler stemmed from the support he recieved from the US.
1955: Us provided Diem $322 million in aid
1957: 300 ‘advisors’ modernising Diem’s military to better deal with North
1961: Vice President LBJ called Diem “Winston Churchill of Asia” during visit
Diem Personality - Catholic
Importantly Diem was a Catholic in a country that was 95% Buddhist.
During his rule he favoured Catholics promoting them to positions of influence.
The Buddhist Crisis
Diem made it illegal to fly any flag other than that of South Vietnam - the only exception being in 1963 when Catholics flew their flags in a birthday celebration for Archbishop Ngo Dinh Thuck (Diem’s brother).
In protest at the continued pro Catholic policies of Diem, Buddhists flew flags to celebrate Buddha’s birthday. The Government responded by firing on crowds that had gathered to celebrate, killing 9 people (8 of whom were children}.
Demonstrations and government violence ensued, culminating in the Buddhist protest of self immolation, beginning with Tich Quang Duc. Diem claimed the monks were communist and refused to acknowledge their protest.
Alienation caused by Diem
Repressive policies led to the alienation of many South Vietnamese peasants and an increase in support for the Viet Cong who were working to overthrow the government.
By 1961 the CIA estimated that 80% of rural South Vietnam was under control of the Viet Cong.
Madame Nhu response to protests
“Let them burn… if the Buddists wish to have another barbecue, I will be glad to supply the gasoline and a match.” - June 1963
What was the Strategic Hamlet Project
Devised by Diem and the US in attempt to protect South Vietnamese peasants from the influence of the communist Viet Cong.
What did the SHP plan entail
Villagets moved from their traditional villages and placed in new hamlets heavily defended by bamboo spiked ditches and armed militia. By 1962 Diem claimed that they had relocated 39% of the population.
How did the SHP backfire?
Villagers resented their removal from their traditional home lands. It only further alienated the people from the government and lent support to the Viet Cong.
